Evaluation of stressors and coping strategies for stress in Indian anaesthesiologists

Abstract

Several studies have been done to assess job satisfaction and quantify effects of stressors on anaesthesiologists in different regions and countries. Studies related to stress in Indian anaesthesiologists are very limited, which prompted us to design this study not only to identify the stressors but also to find out how anaesthesiologists react to stress and devise means to minimize it to increase their job satisfaction levels. A set of questions was handed over personally to 200 anaesthesiologists at the national- and state-level anaesthesiology conferences and continuing medical educations with a request to return them duly filled in, with an assurance that confidentiality and anonymity would bemaintained. Main outcome measures were demographics, factors causing stress, how the responding anaesthesiologists and their colleagues react to it and methods they adopt to reduce stress at their workplace. Response rate was 96%. The total number of respondents was 192 (54% males and 46% females; juniors, 76%; and seniors, 24%). Identified stressors were as follows: time constraints (34%), medicolegal concerns (24%), interference with home life (22%), clinical problems (20%) and communication problems (9%). Different strategies for coping with stress were identified. This survey is just a beginning. Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists is requested to look into the matter and take it further on a larger scale by multicentric studies to lay down standards related to number of working hours, number of night-call duties per week, proper assistance, medicolegal protection, etc., which would not only reduce occupational stress but also improve efficiency and job satisfaction among anaesthesiologists.

Job Satisfaction and Associated Factors among Anesthetists Working in Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia, May 2017: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

“…Lack of trained OR assistance and misunderstanding with surgeons might result in lower job satisfaction in the study area. Although our results differ considerably from previous studies, it could be argued that managing critical events, communication problems, [4] and stress might lead to bad reactions to coworkers.…”

“…Involving in stressful and overloaded working areas results in higher turnover intention, burnout, and job dissatisfaction [2, 3]. Demand-supply imbalance of anesthetists has greatly increased, and they are overworking [4]. Workload and stress due to difficulties in critical decision-making have been shown as problems with the specialty of anesthesia [5].…”

“…Little is known about anesthetists' levels of job satisfaction or workload stress despite their key role in the operating room, ICU, emergency department, and involvement in research and teaching [4]. Lack of job support, long working hours, and challenges in managing life threatening scenarios has been shown to be associated with increased stress and low level of job satisfaction [10].…”

Sindrom Burnout pada Peserta Program Pendidikan Dokter Spesialis Anestesiologi dan Terapi Intensif Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Padjadjaran

“…Selain itu, dapat pula dilakukan pembagian tugas dan tanggung jawab antarpeserta PPDS atau refreshing bersama di waktu tertentu. 9,14 Faktor yang cukup berpengaruh dalam kejadian sindrom burnout adalah tahap studi. Status sebagai peserta PPDS memberikan kontribusi dalam kejadian burnout.…”

“…Dukungan sosial terbukti mengurangi kejadian burnout. 9,14,16 Pada penelitian ini didapatkan persentase burnout yang lebih tinggi pada peserta PPDS yang merokok (47%) dan minum alkohol (58%). Perilaku ini mungkin saja merupakan bentuk pelarian dari stres yang dialami.…”