Work-related adverse events leaving their mark: a cross-sectional study among Dutch gynecologists

Melanie A M Baas,Claire A I Stramrood,Ruth Evers,Lea M Dijksman,Maria G Van Pampus,Karel W F Scheepstra

doi:10.1186/s12888-018-1659-1

Abstract

BackgroundHealth care professionals who are frequently coping with traumatic events have an increased risk of developing a posttraumatic stress disorder. Research among physicians is scarce, and obstetrician-gynecologists may have a higher risk. Work-related traumatic events and posttraumatic stress disorder among obstetricians-gynecologists and the (desired) type of support were studied.MethodsA questionnaire was emailed to all members of the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, which included residents, attending, retired and non-practicing obstetricians-gynecologists. The questionnaire included questions about personal experiences and opinions concerning support after work-related events, and a validated questionnaire for posttraumatic stress disorder.ResultsThe response rate was 42.8% with 683 questionnaires eligible for analysis. 12.6% of the respondents have experienced a work-related traumatic event, of which 11.8% met the criteria for current posttraumatic stress disorder. This revealed an estimated prevalence of 1.5% obstetricians-gynecologists with current posttraumatic stress disorder. 12% reported to have a support protocol or strategy in their hospital after adverse events. The most common strategies to cope with emotional events were: to seek support from colleagues, to seek support from family or friends, to discuss the case in a complication meeting or audit and to find distraction. 82% would prefer peer-support with direct colleagues after an adverse event.ConclusionsThis survey implies that work-related events can be traumatic and subsequently can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder. There is a high prevalence rate of current posttraumatic stress disorder among obstetricians-gynecologists. Often there is no standardized support after adverse events. Most obstetrician-gynecologists prefer peer-support with direct colleagues after an adverse event. More awareness must be created during medical training and organized support must be implemented.

Highlights

Professionals frequently coping with traumatic events have an increased risk of developing a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The sample was found to be a good representation of the Dutch Society of Obstetrics & Gynecology (NVOG) members, as the response rates in the subgroups corresponded to the overall NVOG population
When asked about preferences for support after an adverse event, most ObGyns (82.0%) would prefer peer support from direct colleagues. 29.9% would like support from a professional, 22.3% would prefer peer support from indirect colleagues and 10% would like to have a buddy appointed. 86.1% stated that the culture concerning the support after adverse events should change. In this large-scale study with a good response rate, our work-related PTSD prevalence among ObGyns (1.5%) is comparable to the general prevalence rate of current PTSD in the Netherlands (1.3%) [17]. This common prevalence is mostly not work-related, and with this in mind we conclude the work-related prevalence of PTSD among ObGyns is high compared to the general Dutch population

Summary

Introduction

Health care professionals who are frequently coping with traumatic events have an increased risk of developing a posttraumatic stress disorder. Professionals frequently coping with traumatic events have an increased risk of developing a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The widely used CanMEDS framework was developed to define the necessary competencies for physicians. It provides a comprehensive foundation for medical education and practice for many (future) physicians in a dozen countries. ObstetricianGynecologists (ObGyns) may be at increased risk of experiencing traumatic events since pregnancy and childbirth are expected to be joyful times, but can include severe complications, including stillbirth or maternal death with high emotional impact on the physician, midwife or nurse [9,10,11,12,13]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion