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Traumatized Residents - It's Not Surgery. It's Medicine
Theresa Jackson1, Cici Zhou2, Zhamak Khorgami1
1University of Oklahoma Tulsa, Department of Surgery, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Journal of Surgical Education
|September 4, 2019
Summary
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects 20% of medical residents, similar to other specialties, but significantly higher than the general population. Eight risk factors were identified, varying by specialty, emphasizing the need for targeted wellness interventions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent in surgical residents.
- The rigors of residency training may contribute to PTSD development.
- This study compares PTSD prevalence across seven medical specialties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of screening positive for PTSD (PTSD+) among seven medical specialties.
- To identify independent risk factors for PTSD development in residents.
Main Methods:
- A national cross-sectional survey of 1904 residents was conducted.
- Residents were screened for PTSD, and traumatic stressors were identified.
- Multivariate regression analysis assessed risk factors against 30 variables.
Main Results:
- No statistical difference in PTSD prevalence was found between specialties (14%-23%).
- Eight independent risk factors for PTSD were identified.
- Risk factors included postgraduate year, gender, public embarrassment, emotional exhaustion, feeling unhealthy, job dissatisfaction, hostile hospital culture, and unsafe patient load.
Conclusions:
- PTSD prevalence in surgical residents is not statistically different from other specialties.
- Overall PTSD prevalence (20%) is over three times that of the general population.
- Specialty-specific interventions are needed to address identified risk factors and improve resident wellness.