What stress coping strategies are surgeons relying upon during surgery?

Background: The objective of this study was to determine sources of intraoperative stress, impact on surgical outcomes, coping strategies, and surgeon interest in stress management training.

Methods: An anonymous survey was electronically distributed to surgeons at a tertiary care hospital. Respondents were asked to rate the perceived impact of 9 stressors on operative performance, identify stress coping strategies, list witnessed stress-related complications, and opine on the perceived need for stress management training.

Results: Seventy-two responses were received (76% relative risk). Complex or rarely performed cases and poor assistance were associated with the highest stress, while personal life distractions were associated with the least. Importantly, 40% of surgeons indicated that they had witnessed an intraoperative complication directly related to surgeon stress. Respondents (82%) believed that formal stress management training is needed.

Conclusions: Several stressors affect surgical performance and contribute to complications. Surgeons use a variety of stress coping strategies. Formal stress management training is needed.