Resilience and workplace stress in Australian and New Zealand obstetrics and gynaecology trainees: A cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Results: Two-hundred and thirty-one (36%) valid responses were received. The mean resilience score was moderate (mean = 77; SD = 11). Resilience was significantly associated with general health (F = 7.5, P = 0.007), depression in the last two weeks (F = 4.4, P = 0.013) and seriously considering leaving the program at some point (F = 15.4, P < 0.001). Most participants (204; 88%) stated improvements could be made to the level of trainee support; with over half identifying the support they received from RANZCOG to be low or very low (132; 57%). One-third of participants (76; 33%) rated the support from their direct supervisor as low to very low. Over half of all participants identified high to very high responses to: burnout (127; 55%); personal stress (134; 58%); workplace stress (143; 62%) and depression (103; 45%).Conclusion: RANZCOG trainees exhibit moderate resilience levels, yet they report high levels of perceived stress, depression and burnout and low-level support from direct supervisors. This may highlight the need for enhanced support and working conditions to allow trainees to remain resilient and thrive in their careers.

Are we ‘gritty’ enough? The importance of ‘grit’ in O&G training: Association of passion and perseverance with burnout, thriving and career progression

“…Undoubtedly, these factors are expected to result in significant burnout and subsequent adverse outcomes such as deterioration of health and training drop-out. [1][2][3] This is well reflected in a recent study by Ryder et al who reported alarmingly high prevalence of burnout, workplace stress and depression (55%, 62% and 45%, respectively) in Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) trainees. 1 Grit is synonymised as a unique human trait combining passion and perseverance and is believed to be a predictor for personal achievement and career success.…”

“…[1][2][3] This is well reflected in a recent study by Ryder et al who reported alarmingly high prevalence of burnout, workplace stress and depression (55%, 62% and 45%, respectively) in Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) trainees. 1 Grit is synonymised as a unique human trait combining passion and perseverance and is believed to be a predictor for personal achievement and career success. 4,5 Its association with the success of medical training has been repeatedly examined and reported in the literature.…”

“…Although evidence exists in other medical speciality/subspeciality training, there is scarcity of data in the field of O&G. [20][21] In Australia/New Zealand, very limited number of studies have reviewed the concept of resilience among RANZCOG trainees and Fellows (including who are retired and/or those who had quit or changed professions). 1 To our knowledge, no previous study has utilised both the SGS and the OLBI to objectively assess grit and burnout among RANZCOG trainees and Fellows. This topical and essential issue in Australian/New Zealand O&G training context remains underexplored.…”

A qualitative analysis of adding kindness into the ISBAR handover tool

“…3 Specifically, self-reported burnout in Australian Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees has a prevalence of 46-55%. [4][5] This prevalence has been attributed in part to the nature of obstetric care, which requires immediate attention to clinical emergencies, prolonged and complex surgical procedures, litigation threat and lengthy shifts. [6][7] Performance anxiety also plays a role, with junior doctors expressing fears regarding public criticism as a contributory factor.…”

“…A systemic review of 54 studies involving 17 560 individuals showed that the prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms among residents from a variety of specialities was between 20.9 and 43.2% with an increase in symptom prevalence over the course of the calendar year 3 . Specifically, self‐reported burnout in Australian Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees has a prevalence of 46–55% 4–5 . This prevalence has been attributed in part to the nature of obstetric care, which requires immediate attention to clinical emergencies, prolonged and complex surgical procedures, litigation threat and lengthy shifts 6–7 .…”