Karin Svensson1,2, Ola Rolfson1,2, Maziar Mohaddes1,2, Henrik Malchau3,4, Annette Erichsen Andersson5,6. 1. Department of Orthopaedics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. 2. Mölndal Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden. 3. Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. 4. Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden. 5. Department of Orthopedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. 6. Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Abstract
AIMS: To investigate the experience and emotional impact of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) on orthopaedic surgeons and identify holistic strategies to improve the management of PJI and protect surgeons' wellbeing. METHODS: In total, 18 prosthetic joint surgeons in Sweden were recruited using a purposive sampling strategy. Content analysis was performed on transcripts of individual in-person interviews conducted between December 2017 and February 2018. RESULTS: PJI had a negative emotional impact on Swedish surgeons. Many felt guilt, stress, and a sense of failure, and several aspects of PJI management were associated with psychosocial challenges. Peer support was reported as the most important coping strategy as was collaborating with infectious disease specialists. CONCLUSION: Our study affirms that there is a negative emotional impact of PJI on surgeons which can be minimized by improved peer support and working in multidisciplinary teams. Based on the surgeons' experiences we have identified desired improvements that may facilitate the management of PJI. These may also be applicable within other surgical specialties dealing with postoperative infections, but need to be evaluated for their efficacy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):736-743.
AIMS: To investigate the experience and emotional impact of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) on orthopaedic surgeons and identify holistic strategies to improve the management of PJI and protect surgeons' wellbeing. METHODS: In total, 18 prosthetic joint surgeons in Sweden were recruited using a purposive sampling strategy. Content analysis was performed on transcripts of individual in-person interviews conducted between December 2017 and February 2018. RESULTS: PJI had a negative emotional impact on Swedish surgeons. Many felt guilt, stress, and a sense of failure, and several aspects of PJI management were associated with psychosocial challenges. Peer support was reported as the most important coping strategy as was collaborating with infectious disease specialists. CONCLUSION: Our study affirms that there is a negative emotional impact of PJI on surgeons which can be minimized by improved peer support and working in multidisciplinary teams. Based on the surgeons' experiences we have identified desired improvements that may facilitate the management of PJI. These may also be applicable within other surgical specialties dealing with postoperative infections, but need to be evaluated for their efficacy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):736-743.