SC launches app vs burnout, stress among judges

MANILA, Philippines — A mobile application allowing judges to measure their burnout and stress levels for early detection and intervention has been launched by the Supreme Court (SC). 

The Judicial Burnout Scale App for Filipino Judges can detect warning signs of burnout and guide the high court in designing mental health programs, policy reforms and interventions that promote judges’ overall well-being, Associate Justice Mario Lopez said. 

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said judges are vulnerable to burnout and trauma due to “the weight of life-altering decisions.” 

“Judges routinely hear the most harrowing and traumatic accounts within their courtrooms,” he added. 

Burnout can impair the judgment, decision-making and well-being of judges and court staff, thus threatening the fairness and integrity of the justice system, the SC said. 

“Judges can either download the app through Microsoft Power Apps or access it through their mobile browser. Plans are also underway to eventually make the tool available to all court personnel,” the high court noted. 

In the development of the app, the SC Governing Council for Mental Health (GCMH) and clinical psychologists held a focus group discussion with select executive and presiding judges on March 20, followed by pilot testing of the app on April 14 and a trial run on May 8. 

After finalizing the tool, the SC GCMH technical working group tested the prototype with over 300 judges during the Regional Mental Health Summit in Davao City on May 23. 

Clinical psychologists Arnulfo Lopez, Antero Rosario Arias Jr. and Joy Tungol helped in developing the mobile app.