The impact of program-driven wellness initiatives on burnout and depression among surgical trainees

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence of burnout and depression are high among surgical trainees. This study examined the impact of program-driven initiatives to improve surgical trainee wellness. MethodsA survey was administered to residents and fellows at all surgical training programs across an urban academic health system. The survey measured burnout, depressive symptoms, and perceptions of program-driven wellness initiatives. ResultsThe response rate was 44% among 369 residents. Of these, 63.2% screened positively for burnout, and 36.7% for depression. Residents who were burned out were more likely to work >80 h per week, have greater clerical duties, and miss educational activities more frequently. Conversely, having opportunities for wellness activities, dedicated faculty and housestaff wellness champions, and assistance with clerical burden were all associated with lower rates of burnout and depression. ConclusionThe presence of wellness support was associated with better outcomes, suggesting the value of initiatives to manage workload and support the well-being of surgical resident physicians.