Post-traumatic stress disorder in a Canadian population of medical students, residents, and physicians

Physicians encounter stressors with potential long-term psychological consequences. However, a comprehensive picture of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence and symptomatic work-related event occurrence across practice stages is lacking.

To evaluate PTSD prevalence and the occurrence of work-related symptomatic events among physicians and medical learners.

In 2017, we surveyed 3,036 physicians, residents, and students within the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Participants completed the Life Events Checklist (LEC) for DSM 4 and the PTSD Checklist for DSM 4-Civilian version (PCL-C). They also reported work-related events that triggered PTSD-like symptoms. The prevalence of a positive PTSD screen (PCL-C ≥ 36) and the proportion identifying a symptomatic work event were determined. The t-test, Chi-square test, and multiple regression were used to evaluate associations between respondent characteristics and these outcomes.

Among 565 respondents, 21.2% screened positively, with similarity across career stages. Thirty-nine percent reported a symptom-inducing work event, with many training-related. Although independent PTSD predictors were not identified, partnered residents and surgical residents were more likely to identify a work-related event. Internationally trained practicing physicians were less likely to identify an event.

Both symptom-inducing work events and PTSD are frequent, broadly based concerns requiring better preventive strategies across career stages.