Surgical medicine: imperfect and extraordinary

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Surgical Practice
• Healthcare Communication

Background:

• Healthcare providers frequently encounter challenges in communication and informed consent.
• Uncertainty is a pervasive element in medical practice, often described as an art.
• Surgical practice, typically perceived as definitive, also involves significant uncertainty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore themes of communication, informed consent, and uncertainty in surgeons' narratives.
• To understand the impact of these themes on surgical decision-making and well-being.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of surgeon narratives.
• Thematic analysis to identify recurring issues.

Main Results:

• Surgeons' narratives reveal common difficulties with communication and informed consent.
• A significant theme of uncertainty emerged, concerning decision-making and patient care.
• This uncertainty sometimes prompted reflection and practice changes, but also led to moral distress.

Conclusions:

• Surgeons, like other healthcare professionals, grapple with communication and uncertainty.
• Uncertainty in surgery can be a catalyst for professional growth or emotional distress.
• Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving surgical practice and provider well-being.