Well-Being in Anesthesiology Graduate Medical Education

Burnout and depression in anesthesiology trainees: A timely assessment to guide a roadmap for change

“…Furthermore, the ACGME recommendations emphasized the importance of trainee well-being as essential to developing a competent and resilient physician [ 6 ] and encouraged residency programs to evaluate residents for their well-being, implement interventions as required, and assess the impact of these interventions on the residents' burnout levels. To remain in compliance with these recommendations, multiple interventions were implemented in training programs, including anesthesiology residency programs, to improve rates of burnout among physician trainees [ 7 ]. These interventions ranged from organizational initiatives that targeted duty hours and analyzed workflows to individual-focused strategies like mindfulness-based curricula and cognitive and behavioral interventions [ 7 ].…”

“…To remain in compliance with these recommendations, multiple interventions were implemented in training programs, including anesthesiology residency programs, to improve rates of burnout among physician trainees [ 7 ]. These interventions ranged from organizational initiatives that targeted duty hours and analyzed workflows to individual-focused strategies like mindfulness-based curricula and cognitive and behavioral interventions [ 7 ].…”

“…Additionally, Sun et al found that longer work hours were associated with higher risks of distress and depression [ 8 ]. These findings indicate well-being interventions addressing organizational and systems-based factors, such as rescheduling shifts and reducing duty hours and workload, may impact a trainee's well-being more effectively than individual-based interventions such as mindfulness courses and stress-coping strategies [ 3 , 7 ].…”

“…Although the clinical anesthesiology first year (CA1) initially poses a steep learning curve, many CA1 residents achieve their learning goals during the second half of the training year. However, the clinical anesthesiology second year (CA2) training is challenging given the different subspecialty training during that year [ 7 ]. Understanding the stressors during residency training at different levels may be required to guide future well-being interventions.…”

“…Understanding the stressors during residency training at different levels may be required to guide future well-being interventions. Lisann-Goldman et al [ 7 ] evaluated individual-based well-being interventions focusing on cognitive behavioral therapy and a mindfulness stress reduction strategy. The authors found many barriers to implementing individual-based interventions that required additional time on the part of the residents in addition to their clinical demands.…”