Stress, burnout, depression and work satisfaction among UK anaesthetic trainees; a quantitative analysis of the Satisfaction and Wellbeing in Anaesthetic Training study

Abstract

Summary There is growing evidence that anaesthetic trainees experience, and may be particularly susceptible to, high levels of work stress, burnout and depression. This is concern for the safety and wellbeing of these doctors and for the patients they treat. To date, there has been no in‐depth evaluation of these issues among UK anaesthetic trainees to examine which groups may be most affected, and to identify the professional and personal factors with which they are associated. We conducted an anonymous electronic survey to determine the prevalence of perceived stress, risk of burnout/depression and work satisfaction among anaesthetic trainees within South‐West England and Wales, and explored in detail the influence of key baseline characteristics, lifestyle and anaesthetic training variables. We identified a denominator of 619 eligible participants and received 397 responses, a response rate of 64%. We observed a high prevalence of perceived stress; 37% (95%CI 32–42%), burnout risk 25% (21–29%) and depression risk 18% (15–23%), and found that these issues frequently co‐exist. Having no children, > 3 days sickness absence in the previous year, ≤ 1 h.week−1 of exercise and > 7.5 h.week−1 of additional non‐clinical work were independant predictors of negative psychological outcomes. Although female respondents reported higher stress, burnout risk was more likely in male respondents. This information could help in the identification of at‐risk groups as well as informing ways to support these groups and to influence resource and intervention design. Targeted interventions, such as modification of exercise behaviour and methods of reducing stressors relating to non‐clinical workloads, warrant further research.

Understanding the professional satisfaction of hospital trainees in Australia

“…A majority of these doctors (54%) reported excessive workloads, and a similar number believed that their workload could result in adverse events and compromise patient safety . Similarly, in the UK a 2018 survey found that, as a result of workforce shortages, trainee doctors have become increasingly stressed by workloads . This in turn has meant that large numbers of trainee doctors are considering leaving clinical work in the UK.…”

Stress, burnout, depression and work satisfaction among UK anaesthetic trainees: a qualitative analysis of in‐depth participant interviews in the Satisfaction and Wellbeing in Anaesthetic Training study

“…The current study is the second part of the Satisfaction and Wellbeing in Anaesthetic Training study (SWeAT). Part 1 surveyed anaesthetic trainees and non‐training grade junior anaesthetists in three UK postgraduate deaneries, and identified concerningly high incidence rates of perceived stress, risk of burnout and risk of depression . This part of the study aims to explore, using qualitative methods, which specific personal and professional factors are associated with the development of these issues, and which factors may be protective.…”

“…The current study is the second part of the Satisfaction and Wellbeing in Anaesthetic Training study (SWeAT). Part 1 surveyed anaesthetic trainees and non-training grade junior anaesthetists in three UK postgraduate deaneries, and identified concerningly high incidence rates of perceived stress, risk of burnout and risk of depression [11].…”

Fatigue vs. resilience

“…Another survey by the Association of Anaesthetists and the Royal College of Surgeons produced similarly worrying results, and provided recommendations for action that included: more focus on a listening culture; improved rest facilities for doctors on‐call; and work patterns that better reflect the need for personal and professional development. This stress that trainees are under is further highlighted by quantitative and qualitative reports from a new survey published in this issue . This survey again highlighted workplace stressors that are perceived to have an impact on health and well‐being in anaesthetic trainees, and in some cases have resulted in depression and burnout.…”