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Resident Wellness: Development of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Residency
Chelsey Johnson
Carolyn De La Cruz
UPMC
2018-02-09
Presenter: Chelsey A Johnson
Affidavit:
80% is original work
Director Name: Vu Nguyen
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
BACKGROUND: The importance of assessing resident well-being has been recognized by the ACGME and is now a program requirement. Common physical complaints among Plastic Surgery attendings is work-related musculoskeletal symptoms. The aim of this study is to identify when these symptoms develop, etiologies, and prevention.
METHODS: A survey was created to gather information on participant demographics, development of musculoskeletal symptoms, potential causes, and interventions to mitigate these symptoms.
RESULTS: 24 Plastic Surgery residents at UPMC were surveyed with a response rate of 91.6%. 81.8% of residents reported musculoskeletal symptoms while in residency, 27.2% were suffering from symptoms prior to residency, and 72.7% developed them while in residency. Of the residents who developed symptoms during training, it was most prevalent after three years of training, with 75% of residents developing musculoskeletal symptoms, correlating to their response of operating on a more consistent basis beginning their third year of residency. Common symptoms were pain (83.3%), stiffness (77.7%), and fatigue (55.5%), most frequently of the neck (72.2%) and lower back (50%). Methods to alleviate discomfort such as adjusting the OR table height, was rarely requested, with only 18.1% of residents feeling "very comfortable" asking for in the presence of the attending.
CONCLUSIONS: Plastic Surgery residents are at high risk for developing musculoskeletal symptoms during residency training, which can substantially impact their following careers. Identifying causes and mitigating risk is essential and should be addressed prior to the third year of residency when symptoms most often begin.
