According to a new study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the prevalence of work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among obstetricians and gynaecologists is significant.
To assess the prevalence and predictors of PTSD among obstetricians and gynaecologists, researchers sent a survey to 6300 fellows, members and trainees of The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), of which 1095 responses were received. Additionally, 43 in-depth interviews with trauma-exposed participants were conducted and analysed.
Exposure to traumatic work-related events was reported by two-thirds of the participants. Of these, 18 per cent of both consultants and trainees reported clinically significant symptoms of PTSD. The risk for PTSD was higher among staff of black or minority ethnicity. Clinically significant symptoms of PTSD were tied to reduced job satisfaction, emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation.
Professor Janice Rymer, on behalf of the RCOG, said: "The RCOG takes the welfare of doctors extremely seriously. This study provides even more compelling evidence that urgent action is needed to improve the workplace environment for doctors and ensure they are supported as well as possible."
