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Baas MAM, Stramrood CAI, Molenaar JE, van Baar PM, Vanhommerig JW, van Pampus MG. Continuing the conversation: a cross-sectional study about the effects of work-related adverse events on the mental health of Dutch (resident) obstetrician-gynaecologists (ObGyns). BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:286. [PMID: 38627649 PMCID: PMC11022402 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05678-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstetrician-Gynaecologists (ObGyns) frequently face work-related adverse events such as severe obstetric complications and maternal or neonatal deaths. In 2014, the WATER-1 study showed that ObGyns are at risk of developing work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while many hospitals lacked a professional support system. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the current prevalence of work-related traumatic events and mental health problems among Dutch ObGyns, as well as to examine the current and desired support. METHODS In 2022, an online questionnaire was sent to all members of the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (NVOG), including resident and attending ObGyns. The survey included questions about experienced work-related events, current and desired coping strategies, and three validated screening questionnaires for anxiety, depression, and PTSD (HADS, TSQ, and PCL-5). RESULTS The response rate was 18.8% and 343 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Of the respondents, 93.9% had experienced at least one work-related adverse event, 20.1% had faced a complaint from the national disciplinary board, and 49.4% had considered leaving the profession at any moment in their career. The prevalence rates of clinically relevant anxiety, depression, and psychological distress were 14.3, 4.4, and 15.7%, respectively. The prevalence of work-related PTSD was 0.9% according to DSM-IV and 1.2% according to DSM-5. More than half of the respondents (61.3%) reported the presence of a structured support protocol or approach in their department or hospital, and almost all respondents (92.6%) rated it as sufficient. CONCLUSIONS The percentages of anxiety, depression, psychological distress and PTSD are comparable to the similar study performed in 2014. Most Dutch ObGyns experience adverse events at work, which can be perceived as traumatic and, in certain cases, may lead to the development of PTSD. Structured support after adverse work-related events is now available in almost two-thirds of workplaces, and was mostly experienced as good. Despite substantial improvements in the availability and satisfaction of professional support after work-related adverse events, the prevalence rates of mental problems remain considerable, and it is imperative to sustain conversation about the mental well-being of ObGyns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A M Baas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, OLVG, 1090 HM, Amsterdam, PO box 95500, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB, Groningen, PO box 30.001, The Netherlands
| | - Claire A I Stramrood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, OLVG, 1090 HM, Amsterdam, PO box 95500, The Netherlands
- Beval Beter, 1000 AH, Amsterdam, PO box 345, The Netherlands
| | - Jolijn E Molenaar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, OLVG, 1090 HM, Amsterdam, PO box 95500, The Netherlands
| | - Petra M van Baar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, OLVG, 1090 HM, Amsterdam, PO box 95500, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joost W Vanhommerig
- Department of Research and Epidemiology, OLVG, 1090 HM, Amsterdam, PO box 95500, The Netherlands
| | - Maria G van Pampus
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, OLVG, 1090 HM, Amsterdam, PO box 95500, The Netherlands.
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Wilgenbusch C, Stebner C, Bryce R, Geller B. Post-traumatic stress disorder in a Canadian population of medical students, residents, and physicians. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RISK & SAFETY IN MEDICINE 2024; 35:191-201. [PMID: 38073397 DOI: 10.3233/jrs-230041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physicians encounter stressors with potential long-term psychological consequences. However, a comprehensive picture of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence and symptomatic work-related event occurrence across practice stages is lacking. OBJECTIVE To evaluate PTSD prevalence and the occurrence of work-related symptomatic events among physicians and medical learners. METHODS In 2017, we surveyed 3,036 physicians, residents, and students within the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Participants completed the Life Events Checklist (LEC) for DSM 4 and the PTSD Checklist for DSM 4-Civilian version (PCL-C). They also reported work-related events that triggered PTSD-like symptoms. The prevalence of a positive PTSD screen (PCL-C ≥ 36) and the proportion identifying a symptomatic work event were determined. The t-test, Chi-square test, and multiple regression were used to evaluate associations between respondent characteristics and these outcomes. RESULTS Among 565 respondents, 21.2% screened positively, with similarity across career stages. Thirty-nine percent reported a symptom-inducing work event, with many training-related. Although independent PTSD predictors were not identified, partnered residents and surgical residents were more likely to identify a work-related event. Internationally trained practicing physicians were less likely to identify an event. CONCLUSION Both symptom-inducing work events and PTSD are frequent, broadly based concerns requiring better preventive strategies across career stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Wilgenbusch
- Department of Academic Family Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Crombie Stebner
- Department of Academic Family Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Rhonda Bryce
- Department of Academic Family Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Brian Geller
- Department of Academic Family Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Cevallos JR, Gonzales PA, Berler MH, Greenberg AL, Lebares CC. Operationalizing the Culture of Burnout and Well-Being: Multicenter Study of Value Congruence and Flourishing in General Surgery Residency. J Am Coll Surg 2023; 237:397-407. [PMID: 37255219 DOI: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Value congruence (VC) is the degree of alignment between worker and workplace values and is strongly associated with reduced job strain and retention. Within general surgery residency, the impact of VC and how to operationalize it to improve workplace well-being remain unclear. STUDY DESIGN This 2-part mixed-methods study comprised 2 surveys of US general surgery residents and qualitative interviews with program directors. In Part 1, January 2021, mixed-level surgical residents from 16 ACGME-accredited general surgery residency programs participated in survey #1. This survey was used to identify shared or conflicting perspectives on VC concerning well-being initiatives and resources. In April 2021, interviews from 8 institutions were conducted with 9 program directors or their proxies. In Part 2, May to June 2022, a similar cohort of surgical residents participated in survey #2. Unadjusted logistic and linear regression models were used in this survey to assess the association between VC and individual-level global well-being (ie flourishing), respectively. RESULTS In survey #1 (N = 300, 34% response rate), lack of VC was an emergent theme with subthemes of inaccessibility, inconsiderateness, inauthenticity, and insufficiency regarding well-being resources. Program directors expressed variable awareness of and alignment with these perceptions. In survey #2 (N = 251, 31% response rate), higher VC was significantly associated with flourishing (odds ratio 1.91, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.52, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Exploring the perceived lack of VC within general surgery residency reveals an important cultural variable for optimizing well-being and suggests open dialogue as a first step toward positive change. Future work to identify where and how institutional actions diminish perceived VC is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny R Cevallos
- From the UCSF Center of Mindfulness in Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Making the Financial Case for Surgical Resident Well-being: A Scoping Review. Ann Surg 2023; 277:397-404. [PMID: 36124776 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a scoping review of literature on financial implications of surgical resident well-being. BACKGROUND Surgeon well-being affects clinical outcomes, patient experience, and health care economics. However, our understanding of the relationship between surgical resident well-being and organizational finances is limited. METHODS Authors searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase with no date or language restrictions. Searches of the gray literature included hand references of articles selected for data extraction and reviewing conference abstracts from Embase. Two reviewers screened articles for eligibility based on title and abstract then reviewed eligible articles in their entirety. Data were extracted and analyzed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS Twenty-five articles were included, 5 (20%) published between 2003 and 2010, 12 (48%) between 2011 and 2018, and 8 (32%) between 2019 and 2021. One (4%) had an aim directly related to the research question, but financial implications were not considered from the institutional perspective. All others explored factors impacting well-being or workplace sequelae of well-being, but the economics of these elements were not the primary focus. Analysis of content surrounding financial considerations of resident well-being revealed 5 categories; however, no articles provided a comprehensive business case for investing in resident well-being from the institutional perspective. CONCLUSIONS Although the number of publications identified through the present scoping review is relatively small, the emergence of publications referencing economic issues associated with surgical resident well-being may suggest a growing recognition of this area's importance. This scoping review highlights a gap in the literature, which should be addressed to drive the system-level change needed to improve surgical resident well-being.
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Hess A, Porter M, Byerly S. Environmental Factors Impacting Wellness in the Trauma Provider. CURRENT TRAUMA REPORTS 2023; 9:10-17. [PMID: 36591543 PMCID: PMC9791636 DOI: 10.1007/s40719-022-00246-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to evaluate the recent literature on environmental factors impacting wellness for the acute care surgeon. This includes factors influencing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Recent Findings Recent studies have identified challenges to surgeon wellness including increased incidence of sleep deprivation, musculoskeletal pain and injuries, pregnancy complications, moral injury, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and burnout. Qualitative studies have characterized the surgeon's emotional response to occupational stress, adverse events, and surgical complications. Further descriptive studies offer interventions to prevent moral injury after adverse events and to improve surgeon work environment. Summary Acute care surgeons are at increased risk of sleep deprivation, musculoskeletal pain and injury, pregnancy complications, moral injury, PTSD, and burnout. Surgeons experience feelings of isolation and personal devaluation after adverse events or complications, and this may lead to practice limitation and progression to PTSD and/or burnout. Interventions to provide mentorship, peer support, and education may help surgeons recover after adverse events. Further study is necessary to evaluate institution-driven interventional opportunities to improve surgeon well-being and to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Hess
- grid.267301.10000 0004 0386 9246Department of General Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 920 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
| | - Maddison Porter
- grid.267301.10000 0004 0386 9246Department of General Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 920 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
| | - Saskya Byerly
- grid.267301.10000 0004 0386 9246Department of General Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 920 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
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Emotional Regulation in Surgery: Fostering Well-Being, Performance, and Leadership. J Surg Res 2022; 277:A25-A35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Lebares CC, Greenberg AL, Gonzales PA, Boscardin CK. Validity evidence for flourishing as a measure of global wellbeing: a national multicenter study of academic general surgery residents. GLOBAL SURGICAL EDUCATION : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR SURGICAL EDUCATION 2022; 1:1. [PMID: 38624941 PMCID: PMC8832420 DOI: 10.1007/s44186-022-00008-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Physician wellbeing is critical to high-quality sustainable healthcare and optimal patient experience. Few objective measures exist to assay wellbeing (as opposed to just pathology) in surgery, or to evaluate the efficacy of wellbeing interventions. Flourishing (as measured by the Mental Health Continuum, MHC) has been suggested as a concise measure of global wellbeing in surgeons. We aimed to establish validity evidence for flourishing in a large national sample of surgical trainees, explore differences by gender and race, and confirm support for the underlying constructs. Methods This cross-sectional study of all General Surgery residents at 16 ACGME-accredited academic programs included an online survey of published measures distributed in February 2021. The Mental Health Continuum (MHC), a three-factor model, assesses emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing and is an established metric of psychosocial thriving in non-physicians. A global score cut-off exists for flourishing which represents high wellbeing. Correlation between flourishing and established measures of risk and resilience in surgery were assessed for validity evidence. Differences by gender and race were explored. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to confirm the three-factor structure in surgical trainees. Results 300 residents (60% non-male, 41% non-white) responded to the survey. For the overall group, flourishing was significantly positively correlated with all wellbeing resilience factors and negatively correlated with all risk factors. This held true for race and gender subgroups based on interaction analyses. CFA and sensitivity analysis results supported the three-factor structure. Conclusions Our findings offer validity evidence for flourishing as a measure of global wellbeing and confirm the three-factor structure of emotional, social, and psychological wellbeing in surgical trainees. Thus, the MHC may be a concise tool for assaying wellbeing, within and across subgroups, and for assessing wellbeing intervention effectiveness within the surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carter C. Lebares
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, HSW 1601, 0790, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Anya L. Greenberg
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, HSW 1601, 0790, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Paul A. Gonzales
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, HSW 1601, 0790, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Christy K. Boscardin
- Departments of Medicine and Anesthesia, Univeristy of Carlifornia San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, HSW 1601, 0790, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - and the General Surgery Research Collaborative on Resident Wellbeing
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, HSW 1601, 0790, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
- Departments of Medicine and Anesthesia, Univeristy of Carlifornia San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, HSW 1601, 0790, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
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Chen H. From the Editor – in – Chief: Featured papers in the April 2022 issue. Am J Surg 2022; 223:607. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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From challenge to change in Surgery. Am J Surg 2021; 223:624-625. [PMID: 34511200 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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