PTSD and surgical residents: Everybody hurts… sometimes

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychiatry
• Surgical Training

Background:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a significant concern among healthcare professionals.
• Surgical residents face unique stressors that may increase their risk of developing PTSD.
• Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for PTSD in surgical residents is crucial for improving well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of PTSD among surgical residents.
• To investigate the association between physician burnout and PTSD in this population.
• To identify risk factors contributing to PTSD development in surgical trainees.

Main Methods:

• A national cross-sectional survey was administered to surgical residents.
• Screening tools were used to assess for PTSD and physician burnout (PBO).
• Data on traumatic stressors and 31 potential risk factors were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• 22% of 582 surgical residents screened positive for PTSD (PTSD+), with an additional 35% at risk.
• Bullying was the most common traumatic stressor, frequently occurring during the first year of residency (PGY1).
• Increased weekly work hours, high-risk PBO scores, and self-reported poor health were significantly associated with PTSD+.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of PTSD among surgical residents is substantially higher than in the general population.
• Factors such as long work hours, physician burnout, and diminished resident wellness are linked to increased PTSD.
• Interventions addressing resident well-being and work environment may mitigate PTSD risk.