Welfare of Anaesthesia Trainees Survey 2019

Abstract

This survey was designed to investigate levels of stress, anxiety and depression, and to identify factors exacerbating or relieving stress in anaesthesia trainees within the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists training scheme. In addition, the survey investigated levels of personal healthcare, some working conditions, and reports of bullying and reported discrimination along with stigmatisation of mental health issues in this cohort. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10). An electronic survey was sent to 1310 randomly selected registrars, and 417 (32%) responses were received. The majority of respondents (67%) reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their job and training. However, 31% had K10 scores indicating high or very high levels of distress. Eleven percent reported being currently on treatment for anxiety and/or depression. Major stressors were examinations, job prospects, critical incidents and fear of making errors. Forty-five percent of respondents reported having experienced bullying during anaesthesia training, 25% discrimination and 7% sexual harassment. Twenty-six percent reported an excessive workload and 21% reported that they felt their workload compromised patient safety. Forty-two percent reported that they would avoid seeking help for anxiety or depression and 50% reported that they thought revealing mental health problems would jeopardise their careers. The results of this survey demonstrate a high incidence of psychological distress, and high levels of bullying and discrimination, as well as stigmatisation of mental ill health among respondents. Appropriate education, a review of assessment tools, effective management of bullying and discrimination, a review of working conditions, and destigmatisation of mental illness appear to be indicated.