How UK surgeons experience burnout and the link between burnout and patient care: A qualitative investigation

Anxiety and depression in surgeons: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The unique pressures of a surgical career put surgeons at particular risk of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Surgeons have previously been shown to have a high prevalence of psychological distress. This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence of anxiety and depression amongst surgeons, and to identify factors that can modify the risk of anxiety and depression in surgeons.

METHODS

A 10-year systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guidelines to identify citations related to the keywords "anxiety" OR "depression" AND "surgeon" in PubMed/Medline and ScienceDirect databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to produce a final list of citations.

RESULTS

Thirty-one citations were included with a total of 11,399 participants. The median percentage of anxiety in surgeons was 20 with a range of 54.6%. While the median percentage of depression was 24 with a range of 59%. Risk factors associated with a higher risk of anxiety and depression include female gender, younger age, concurrent burnout, and occupational concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Protective factors include institutional support and a sense of social belonging.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high prevalence of anxiety and depression amongst surgeons over the past decade. It is imperative to develop strategies to mitigate the effect of anxiety and depression in surgeons.

Do we need a co-pilot in the operating theatre? A cross-sectional study on surgeons' perceptions

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this original study was to investigate general surgeons' perceptions on the role of dual surgeon operating for high-risk, elective complex surgical procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 21-part cross-sectional online survey was self-completed by 85 general surgeons across hospitals in the UK. The survey assessed the perception of dual surgeon operating on patient morbidity and mortality, surgeons' burnout rates, complaints, patient waiting times and overall trainee experience. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 3.6.1.

RESULTS

Overall 78.8% believed that dual surgeon operating could help to overcome these human factors. Sub-analysis includes improve surgeon fatigue (89.4%), improve confidence (83.5%), improve decision-making (76.5%), minimise technical error (69.4%), improve communication, team work and leadership skills (65.9%). 65.9% believed it would reduce surgeons' burnout. There was a statistically significant relationship between the participants believing it would reduce surgeons' burnout and those who felt it would reduce complaints, Chi-squared(4) = [30.8], p = [0.00000342]. A statistically significant relationship was noted between participants believing it would reduce surgeons' burnout and those who felt it would reduce patient mortality/morbidity, Chi-squared(4) = [19.9], p = [0.000517].

CONCLUSION

The survey has highlighted positive surgeons' perceptions regarding dual surgeon operating.