Collateral damage: the effect of patient complications on the surgeon's psyche

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Practice
• Physician Well-being

Background:

• The emotional and professional impact of patient complications on surgeons is not well-documented.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for surgeon support and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the emotional state and job performance of surgeons following patient complications.
• To identify factors influencing the impact of complications on surgeons.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous survey was administered to members of the Midwest Surgical Society and attending surgeons in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
• The survey collected data on the emotional and professional impact of surgical complications.

Main Results:

• Over 123 surgeons responded (30.5% response rate).
• The majority (51.2%) experienced significant emotional impact from their first complication during residency.
• Most respondents (77.2%) reported no impairment in professional functioning, though major post-residency complications increased impairment risk (P < .05).
• Surgeons primarily used discussion with partners (87.8%) to cope; 6.5% reported increased substance use.
• A majority (58.5%) found managing complication effects difficult throughout their careers, with no improvement with experience.

Conclusions:

• Managing the emotional effects of patient complications is a persistent challenge for surgeons.
• Increased awareness and improved support systems are needed to address the emotional toll of complications on surgeons.