Clinical work perception and mental health in Danish resident doctors.

The majority of Danish junior doctors reported positive perceptions of their introduction, supervision, and preparedness for clinical work.

• 66-79% of respondents reported positive perceptions across these domains
• Survey included 297 junior doctors in the North Denmark Region with a 38% response rate
• The questionnaire was developed with input from junior doctor focus groups

One in four Danish junior doctors doubted their ability to remain in the profession.

• 25% of respondents expressed doubt about their ability to remain in the profession
• This was identified despite the majority reporting positive perceptions of introduction and supervision
• Sample consisted of 297 junior doctors completing a cross-sectional survey

Approximately one-third of junior doctors reported experiencing exhaustion or stress more than half the time.

• Roughly one-third of the 297 respondents reported exhaustion or stress more than half the time
• Stress and exhaustion measures were drawn from validated items including the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire
• This finding indicates a high burden of work-related stress among early-career doctors

A substantial proportion of Danish junior doctors scored at high risk for stress-related disorders on the WHO-5 Well-Being Index.

• 13% scored below 35 on the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, indicating a high risk of stress-related disorders
• The WHO-5 Well-Being Index is a validated instrument included in the survey
• A score below 35 is the established threshold for high risk of stress-related disorders on this scale

18% of Danish junior doctors had Major Depression Inventory scores consistent with depression.

• 18% had a Major Depression Inventory score ≥ 20, consistent with depression
• The Major Depression Inventory is a validated instrument used in the survey
• A score of ≥ 20 is the established threshold indicating depression on this scale

Pre-graduate locum experience was significantly associated with greater perceived preparedness and confidence, but not with reduced stress or depressive symptoms.

• Pre-graduate locum experience showed a statistically significant association with greater perceived preparedness and confidence
• No significant association was found between pre-graduate locum experience and reduced stress or depressive symptoms
• This finding suggests pre-graduate experience enhances confidence but not emotional resilience
• The analysis was conducted as part of a cross-sectional survey design