Post-traumatic stress disorder in a Canadian population of medical students, residents, and physicians

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Physicians encounter stressors with potential long-term psychological consequences. However, a comprehensive picture of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence and symptomatic work-related event occurrence across practice stages is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate PTSD prevalence and the occurrence of work-related symptomatic events among physicians and medical learners. METHODS: In 2017, we surveyed 3,036 physicians, residents, and students within the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. Participants completed the Life Events Checklist (LEC) for DSM 4 and the PTSD Checklist for DSM 4-Civilian version (PCL-C). They also reported work-related events that triggered PTSD-like symptoms. The prevalence of a positive PTSD screen (PCL-C ≥ 36) and the proportion identifying a symptomatic work event were determined. The t-test, Chi-square test, and multiple regression were used to evaluate associations between respondent characteristics and these outcomes. RESULTS: Among 565 respondents, 21.2% screened positively, with similarity across career stages. Thirty-nine percent reported a symptom-inducing work event, with many training-related. Although independent PTSD predictors were not identified, partnered residents and surgical residents were more likely to identify a work-related event. Internationally trained practicing physicians were less likely to identify an event. CONCLUSION: Both symptom-inducing work events and PTSD are frequent, broadly based concerns requiring better preventive strategies across career stages.