Operating with feeling: Emotions in contemporary surgery

Arnold-Forster, Agnes

doi:10.1308/rcsbull.2018.12

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…In a culture that thrives on the principle of “do no harm,” there may be tension between the typical stereotype of a surgeon – who is often idealized as strong, unemotional, and lacking introspection – and the reality that complications can be powerful emotional experiences for all those involved 16 . Previous research has suggested that oftentimes, surgeons believe they should neither make mistakes nor experience emotional responses when they do 1,17 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Participants pointed to aspects of surgical culture that trained surgeons to be confident and infallible, and often highlighted that the intrinsic nature of a surgeon is to want to fix things. Surgeons frequently encounter patients when they are at their most vulnerable and often bear the responsibility of containing the patient's fear of death 16 . Due to the high stakes involved, patients and their families often have a need to see surgeons as infallible, and the surgeon often colludes with them to deny the existence of error 20 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploring Emotional Responses After Postoperative Complications

et al. 2021

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Objective: This qualitative study explored the impact of postoperative complications on surgeons and their well-being. Background: Complications are an inherent component of surgical practice. Although there have been extensive efforts to reduce postoperative complications, the impact of complications on surgeons have not been well-studied. Surgeons are often left to process their own emotional responses to these complications, the effects of which are not well characterized. Methods: We conducted 46 semi-structured interviews with a diverse range of surgeons practicing across Michigan to explore their responses to postoperative complications and the effect on overall well-being. The data were analyzed iteratively, through steps informed by thematic analysis. Results: Participants described feelings of sadness, anxiety, frustration, grief, failure, and disappointment after postoperative complications. When asked to elaborate on these responses, participants described internal processes such as feelings of personal responsibility and failure, self-doubt, and failing the patient and family. Participants also described external pressures influencing the responses, which included potential impact to reputation and medicolegal issues. Experience level, type of complication, and the surgeon's individual personality were specific factors that influenced the intensity of these responses. Conclusion: Surgeons' emotional responses after postoperative complications may negatively impact individual well-being, and may represent a threat to the profession altogether if these issues remain inadequately recognized and addressed. Knowledge of the impact of unwanted or unexpected outcomes on surgeons is critical in developing and implementing strategies to cope with the challenges frequently encountered in the surgical profession.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%