Exposure to Workplace Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Intern Physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Traumatology
• Physician Mental Health
• Occupational Health Psychology

Background:

• Physicians frequently encounter traumatic events during their professional duties.
• The psychological impact and long-term outcomes of work-related trauma exposure among physicians remain under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of work-related trauma exposure.
• To determine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among intern physicians.
• To identify risk factors associated with trauma exposure and PTSD in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide cohort study of US resident physicians during their internship year (2018).
• Baseline and four follow-up surveys were administered throughout the 12-month internship.
• The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) assessed trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms; risk factors were also evaluated.

Main Results:

• Over half of interns (56.4%) reported work-related trauma exposure.
• Among those exposed, 19.0% screened positive for PTSD, equating to 10.8% of all interns.
• This PTSD prevalence is three times higher than the general population's 12-month rate (3.6%).
• Risk factors for trauma exposure included race/ethnicity, increased work hours, family environment, and prior stressful life events.
• Factors associated with PTSD included being unmarried, race/ethnicity, concern about medical errors, recent stressful experiences, depression, and anxiety.

Conclusions:

• Work-related posttraumatic stress disorder is significantly more prevalent in intern physicians compared to the general population.
• Findings underscore the urgent need for effective interventions to reduce trauma exposure and mitigate its psychological effects on physicians.
• Addressing risk factors such as long work hours, stressful life events, and mental health comorbidities is essential for physician well-being.