Enhanced Stress Resilience Training for UK Surgical Trainees; Effect and Evolution Evaluated
Oliver W Luton1, Osian P James2, Katie Mellor1
1Department of General Surgery, NHS Wales Health Education and Improvement Wales' School of Surgery, Tŷ Dysgu, Cefn Coed, Nantgarw, United Kingdom.
Journal of Surgical Education
|August 11, 2023
Summary
Enhanced Stress Resilience Training (ESRT) significantly reduced burnout and stress in Core Surgical Training (CST) programs. This training also improved mindfulness and career progression, demonstrating its value for surgical trainees.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Psychology
Background:
- Core Surgical Training (CST) programs are linked to high rates of burnout among trainees.
- Investigating interventions to mitigate stress and burnout in surgical education is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of Enhanced Stress Resilience Training (ESRT) on Core Surgical Trainees over a two-year period.
- To evaluate the influence of ESRT on career progression, burnout, stress, and mindfulness.
Main Methods:
- A 5-week formal ESRT program was implemented for CSTs to address work-related stressors.
- Primary outcome: career progression (curriculum metrics, National Training Number [NTN] appointment).
- Secondary outcomes: burnout, stress, and mindfulness levels using validated psychological inventories.
Main Results:
- Full engagement with ESRT (31.0% of 42 trainees) was associated with significantly better NTN appointment rates (61.5% vs. 5.6%).
- ESRT engagement correlated with reduced burnout (aMBI) and stress (PSS-10) levels.
- Trainees engaging with ESRT also reported higher mindfulness (CAMS-R) scores.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced Stress Resilience Training (ESRT) demonstrates a significant association with reduced stress and burnout in surgical trainees.
- ESRT engagement independently predicted a 13-fold increase in the likelihood of National Training Number (NTN) success.
- The findings suggest ESRT is a valuable intervention for improving both well-being and career progression in Core Surgical Training.
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