BACKGROUND: Although the general literature on stress and performance is extensive, little is known about specific effects of stress in surgical practice. This qualitative study explored key surgical stressors, their impact on performance, and coping strategies used by surgeons. METHODS: Individual in-depth semistructured interviews with surgeons were analyzed by 2 researchers independently. Key themes were discussed within the research team. RESULTS: Sixteen interviews were performed, including interviews with consultants (n = 9) and surgeons in training (n = 7). A wide range of intraoperative stressors was identified. Although stress had both positive and negative effects, undue levels of stress impaired judgment, decision making, and communication. Although junior surgeons showed uncertainty about their ability to cope, senior surgeons had developed sophisticated strategies for controlling each situation. CONCLUSIONS: Although stress poses significant risks, coping strategies are not taught explicitly during surgical training. This article presents a framework for categorizing surgical stress and suggests key elements for effective coping strategies.
BACKGROUND: Although the general literature on stress and performance is extensive, little is known about specific effects of stress in surgical practice. This qualitative study explored key surgical stressors, their impact on performance, and coping strategies used by surgeons. METHODS: Individual in-depth semistructured interviews with surgeons were analyzed by 2 researchers independently. Key themes were discussed within the research team. RESULTS: Sixteen interviews were performed, including interviews with consultants (n = 9) and surgeons in training (n = 7). A wide range of intraoperative stressors was identified. Although stress had both positive and negative effects, undue levels of stress impaired judgment, decision making, and communication. Although junior surgeons showed uncertainty about their ability to cope, senior surgeons had developed sophisticated strategies for controlling each situation. CONCLUSIONS: Although stress poses significant risks, coping strategies are not taught explicitly during surgical training. This article presents a framework for categorizing surgical stress and suggests key elements for effective coping strategies.
Authors: M Schuetz; I Gockel; J Beardi; P Hakman; F Dunschede; S Moenk; W Heinrichs; Th Junginger Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2007-10-18 Impact factor: 4.584
Authors: Victoria Mason; Selina Balloo; Dominic Upton; Kamal Heer; Phil Higton; Uttam Shiralkar Journal: Ann R Coll Surg Engl Date: 2009-04-02 Impact factor: 1.891
Authors: Dsg Scrimgeour; R Patel; N Patel; J Cleland; A J Lee; A J McKinley; Fct Smith; G Griffiths; P A Brennan Journal: Ann R Coll Surg Engl Date: 2019-02-18 Impact factor: 1.891
Authors: Tomoko Mizota; Nicholas E Anton; Elizabeth M Huffman; Michael J Guzman; Frederick Lane; Jennifer N Choi; Dimitrios Stefanidis Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2019-05-17 Impact factor: 4.584