Working Conditions, Musculoskeletal Pain and Wellbeing Among Hospital Surgeons: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Surgical practice
• Healthcare worker wellbeing

Background:

• Patient safety is intrinsically linked to healthcare worker health.
• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges for UK surgeons, including increased workloads and stress.
• Understanding the biomechanical and psychosocial impact on surgeons is crucial for maintaining healthcare standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biomechanical and psychosocial demands experienced by hospital surgeons.
• To assess surgeons' pain prevalence and work-life balance post-pandemic.
• To explore the relationship between work-related factors, pain, and retirement intentions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive online survey utilizing validated tools (WHO-5 wellbeing index, Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire) was distributed.
• The survey assessed physical demands, job control, support, work-life balance, pain, job satisfaction, and retirement intentions.
• Poisson regression modeling was employed to analyze associations between work factors, pain, and early retirement.

Main Results:

• 242 surgeons responded, reporting high occupational demands and work-life imbalance; 17% reported job dissatisfaction.
• Musculoskeletal pain was prevalent (46% lower back pain), frequently disrupting work.
• Improved work-life balance correlated with reduced pain, while physically demanding tasks increased pain risk. Job dissatisfaction predicted early retirement intentions.

Conclusions:

• Surgeons experience significant physical and mental strain, coupled with poor work-life balance, impacting their health and job satisfaction.
• Identified links between physical/emotional factors and pain highlight potential risks to surgeon wellbeing.
• Addressing these issues is vital for surgeon retention and ensuring safe, high-quality patient care.