Are Orthopaedic Surgeons Tough As Nails? A Regional Resilience Study

Description

In this presentation, Ghazal Hodhody discusses the findings of a resilience study conducted among orthopedic surgeons in the North West Deanery. The presentation opens with an examination of the current crisis within the NHS, noting that nearly half of participants expressed a desire to leave their institutions, with a significant portion wishing to exit the NHS altogether. Hodhody defines resilience as crucial for mental health, particularly in managing distressing situations that are common in the field of orthopedics. Based on the study results, burnout among doctors was highlighted as a critical issue, leading to medical errors and negative patient outcomes.



The methodology for the resilience study included a six-week survey after the COVID lockdown, gathering demographics, resilience scores via a specific questionnaire, and additional inquiries about extracurricular activities and the effects of the pandemic. Preliminary results indicated varying levels of resilience based on grade and gender, yet no significant differences were found between men and women or among junior versus senior doctors. Interestingly, the engagement in sports, arts, and mindfulness activities displayed a complex relationship with resilience levels.



The study concluded that orthopedic surgeons' resilience scores (averaging 74) were lower than the general public's (averaging 80), stressing a need for enhanced support from healthcare systems to mitigate burnout. Hodhody's closing remarks stressed the importance of open communication and support for medical professionals, suggesting that building resilience requires systemic changes beyond individual initiatives. The presentation was met with applause and opened the floor to audience questions, further extending the conversation around improving resilience in the medical profession.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-230426

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