A survey from MPS finds patients at risk as doctors find themselves unable to take time off despite not feeling mentally well enough to do so. 

The pressure of staff shortages, the guilt of putting pressure on colleagues, and because it is just what is expected of them means that almost three-quarters of doctors have said that they have continued to work despite not feeling mentally well enough to do so. 

The Medical Protection Society (MPS) surveyed more than 1,000 doctors in the UK on presenteeism in the medical workforce and the factors driving it. 

Three in five (60%) said they have continued to work when not feeling mentally well enough because they feel guilty adding to colleagues’ workloads, and half (50%) cited staff shortages. Almost half (47%) said it is what is expected of them, and two in five (42%) said it is because their patients rely on them.

Perturbingly, more than a quarter (27%) said that taking time off for mental wellbeing issues is not “acceptable” where they work. 

“Working despite not being mentally well enough so can also impact patient care and the survey indicates the variety of ways this could manifest – from lack of empathy and concentration, right through to a missed diagnosis,” said MPS president Jane Dacre. 

Missed diagnosis

Anonymous comments left by the doctors surveyed, also indicate that some struggle into work due to the “shame” of having to state mental well-being as a reason for their absence, and because they are fearful it will jeopardise career progression.

Doctors who participated said working despite not feeling mentally well enough had led to a lack of empathy with patients (63%), a loss of concentration (63%) or practising defensive medicine (42%). Almost half (46%) suspected it may have contributed to a lower standard of care, and 12% said it may have resulted in a missed or incorrect diagnosis. 

“When working while mentally unwell, I tend to struggle more with decision making and my reflex is to take longer or follow up more or investigate more. This can over-medicalise someone and tends to increase my workload and risk of burnout,” was the anonymous comment of one doctor who participated in the MPS survey. 

Only one in five (19%) said there had been no effect on patients. 

“It’s extremely worrying that a culture of silence and stigma remains for medics experiencing mental health challenges,” said Roman Raczka, president of the British Psychological Society. 

“For the sake of staff wellbeing and patient care, long-term investment in dedicated mental health support for staff is urgently needed now more than ever,” he added. 

1,075 MPS members participated in the survey which took place in January 2025.