Performance anxiety amongst trauma and orthopaedic surgical trainees

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Surgical Education
• Psychology in Medicine

Background:

• Operating requires high levels of dexterity and mental acuity, comparable to elite sports.
• Performance anxiety is a recognized issue in high-stakes professions.
• Orthopaedic trainees and surgeons experience peri-operative stress and anxiety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence and levels of performance anxiety among orthopaedic trainees and surgeons.
• To investigate the relationship between anxiety levels, training grade, and sex.
• To adapt and utilize the validated Sports Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) for surgical contexts.

Main Methods:

• A modified Sports Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) questionnaire was distributed to orthopaedic trainees across three UK deaneries.
• Data collection occurred via email, with responses anonymized.
• Anxiety levels were categorized as low (<17), medium (17-24), or high (>24).

Main Results:

• A 40% response rate (109/273) was achieved, with 71% of respondents being male.
• Mean SCAT scores varied across training grades, with Specialist Trainees (years 3-5) reporting the highest mean score (18.7).
• Female surgeons demonstrated statistically significant higher mean anxiety scores compared to males in Specialist Trainee groups (years 3-5 and 6-8).

Conclusions:

• Surgical performance anxiety is a significant issue within orthopaedic surgery.
• Female orthopaedic surgeons report higher levels of anxiety than their male counterparts.
• Experience does not fully mitigate anxiety, as evidenced by high scores in consultants, underscoring the need for further investigation and support.