Estrés laboral en médicos veterinarios y estudiantes avanzados dedicados a la clínica de pequeños animales

Abstract

Stress (eng. "Stress", tension) is defined as a state of exaggerated tension that is reached by an excess of activity, work or responsibility, and that leads to physical and psychological disorders in people who suffer from it (Vilcahuamán, 2014). Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) can be defined as the consequent natural behaviors and emotions that result from knowing about a traumatic event experienced by another person (Figley, 1995). In this work, a descriptive study was carried out based on telephone survey methodology, incidental and cross-sectional design. Surveys were conducted through the use of different forms and scales as measuring instruments for the STS and the different variables. The sample consisted on 103 workers (advanced students in the career and Veterinary Doctors) belonging to the Small Animal Clinics of Montevideo and the Small Animal Unit of the Veterinary College Hospital. The objective was to estimate the prevalence of STS in this population, identify and evaluate risk factors for STS and analyze its relationship with the development of Burnout Syndrome and other psychological processes and behavioral strategies described. It was found that 3 out of 10 professionals presented symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to the STS. It was concluded that the prevalence of symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder due to STS was considerable. We were able to observe that this acute process is related to a chronic condition known as Burnout Syndrome. Noting that an increase in STS symptoms is positively related to an increase in Burnout symptoms. This work can be the first step to continue researching on the subject and thus in this way build the best tools to take care of ourselves as professionals and be better doctors for our patients.   &nbsp