Evaluation of Stress Levels of Trainee Cardiac Surgery Residents during Training Interventions Using Physiological Stress Parameters.

George Awad,Robert Pohl,Maximilian Philipp Scherner,Boris Kuzmin,Sabine Darius,Jens Wippermann,Ingo Slottosch,Beatrice Thielmann,Irina Böckelmann,Hendrik Schmidt

doi:10.3390/ijerph182211953

Abstract

Background: This study analysed the psychological and psycho-emotional stress in cardiac surgery. Using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, it is possible to record intraoperative objective stress responses in surgeons. The aim of the study was to assess with the help of HRV parameters the postulated increased stress levels of cardiac surgeons in training compared to experienced senior cardiothoracic surgeons in exactly the same work situation in order to make qualification-differentiated statements about physiological stress during surgical interventions. Methods: During surgical teaching procedures, long-term ECG data (n = 15 each) for two operating residents and their assisting senior physicians were recorded. Time and frequency domain HRV parameters were analysed. Results: The time-related parasympathetic-dominated HRV parameters RMSSD (19.5 ms vs. 28.1 ms), NN50 (297.67 vs. 693.40), and cardiac interval mean RR (692.8 ms vs. 737.3 ms) indicate a higher stress level in the operating residents compared to the experienced surgeons. The higher stress index (11.61 vs. 8.86) confirms this. Conclusion: Compared to experienced surgeons, operating residents showed lower parasympathetic activity and higher stress levels during cardiac surgery training procedures.

Highlights

Introduction iationsCompared to other occupational groups, the medical profession in general is associated with specific psychosocial stresses [1], and surgical physicians are exposed to additional risks and hazards
In a cooperative study by the Department of Occupational Medicine at the Otto-vonGuericke University Magdeburg and the Clinic for Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery of the University Hospital Magdeburg, the objective stress of residents and senior physicians during surgical teaching procedures in aortocoronary bypass (ACB) operations was investigated over a period of 6 months
On the basis of the results, statements will be made on the objective stress by means of the collected heart rate variability (HRV) parameters

Summary

Introduction

Introduction iationsCompared to other occupational groups, the medical profession in general is associated with specific psychosocial stresses [1], and surgical physicians are exposed to additional risks and hazards. A major part of the daily work in cardiac surgery consists of performing and assisting in surgical procedures. In this field of activity, surgeons are exposed to specific stressors, which can Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Results: The time-related parasympathetic-dominated HRV parameters RMSSD (19.5 ms vs 28.1 ms), NN50 (297.67 vs 693.40), and cardiac interval mean RR (692.8 ms vs 737.3 ms) indicate a higher stress level in the operating residents compared to the experienced surgeons. Conclusion: Compared to experienced surgeons, operating residents showed lower parasympathetic activity and higher stress levels during cardiac surgery training procedures

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