Postoperative recreational sports and subjective shoulder function: a comprehensive analysis following intramedullary stabilization of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures.

Introduction Sports-related outcomes and the role of recreational sports activities for shoulder function after intramedullary stabilization (IMS) of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures (DMCFs) in the general population are not well known. In this study, we aimed to determine the sport-related outcomes (return-to-sports [RTS] rate, type of sports, time until RTS, and intensity) and to explore the role of sports after IMS of DMCFs. Materials and Methods This single-center, retrospective, cohort study included patients who underwent IMS of DMCFs between 2009 and 2022 at a Level II trauma center in Germany, experienced no major complications, and had completed at least 1 year of follow-up. Propensity score matching was conducted to obtain a balanced sample of patients who did not engage (cases) and engaged (controls) in postoperative sports activities by adjusting for age and fracture complexity. Groups were compared to assess the impact of regular sports activities on subjective shoulder functioning at follow-up, as evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) questionnaires, after controlling for the patient- (i.e., sex and smoking) and treatment- (i.e., surgery duration and physical therapy) factors. Results Among the 199 patients included, the RTS rate was 97.5%, and 160 patients practiced regular postoperative activity, mostly in the same sport and intensity. In the matched cohort (39 cases and 39 controls), practicing regular sports activities postoperatively was the only independent factor associated with a higher OSS in the multiple regression analysis (unstandardized regression coefficient = 2.40; Bias-corrected and accelerated 95% confidence interval [0.28, 4.69]). Conclusions The sport-related outcomes after IMS of DMCFs in our cohort were comparable to those achieved after plate osteosynthesis, and IMS reported in the literature. Recreational sports activities benefitted subjective shoulder function, thereby encouraging further research and potentially influencing management policies. Level of evidence Grade IV - a retrospective observational cohort study.

Single-rater reliability of a three-dimensional instrument for decision-making in tertiary triage and ICU- prioritization-a case vignette simulation study.

Disconcerting reports from different EU countries during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the demand for supporting decision instruments and recommendations in case tertiary triage is needed. COVID-19 patients mainly present sequentially, not parallelly, and therefore ex-post triage scenarios were expected to be more likely than ex-ante ones. Decision-makers in these scenarios may be highly susceptible to second victim and moral injury effects, so that reliable and ethically justifiable algorithms would have been needed in case of overwhelming critical cases.To gather basic information about a potential tertiary triage instrument, we designed a three-dimensional instrument developed by an expert group using the Delphi technique. The instrument focused on three parameters: 1) estimated chance of survival, 2) estimated prognosis of regaining autonomy after treatment, and 3) estimated length of stay in the ICU. To validate and test the instrument, we conducted an anonymous online survey in 5 German hospitals addressing physicians that would have been in charge of decision-making in the case of a mass infection incident. Of about 80 physicians addressed, 47 responded. They were presented with 16 fictional ICU case vignettes (including 3 doublets) which they had to score using the three parameters of the instrument.We detected a good construct validity (Cronbach's Alpha 0.735) and intra-reliability (p < 0.001, Cohens Kappa 0.497 to 0.574), but a low inter-reliability (p < 0.001, Cohen's Kappa 0.252 to 0.327) for the three parameters. The best inter-reliability was detected for the estimated length of stay in the ICU. Further analysis revealed concerns in assessing the prognosis of the potentially remaining autonomy, especially in patients with only physical impairment.In accordance with German recommendations, we concluded that single-rater triage (which might happen in stressful and highly resource-limited situations) should be avoided to ensure patient and health care provider safety. Future work should concentrate on reliable and valid group decision instruments and algorithms and question whether the chance of survival as a single triage parameter should be complemented with other parameters, such as the estimated length of stay in the ICU.

"ChatGPT, Can You Help Me Save My Child's Life?" - Diagnostic Accuracy and Supportive Capabilities to Lay Rescuers by ChatGPT in Prehospital Basic Life Support and Paediatric Advanced Life Support Cases - An In-silico Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric emergencies are challenging for healthcare workers, first aiders, and parents waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. With the expected rise of virtual assistants, people will likely seek help from such digital AI tools, especially in regions lacking emergency medical services. Large Language Models like ChatGPT proved effective in providing health-related information and are competent in medical exams but are questioned regarding patient safety. Currently, there is no information on ChatGPT's performance in supporting parents in paediatric emergencies requiring help from emergency medical services. This study aimed to test 20 paediatric and two basic life support case vignettes for ChatGPT and GPT-4 performance and safety in children. METHODS: We provided the cases three times each to two models, ChatGPT and GPT-4, and assessed the diagnostic accuracy, emergency call advice, and the validity of advice given to parents. RESULTS: Both models recognized the emergency in the cases, except for septic shock and pulmonary embolism, and identified the correct diagnosis in 94%. However, ChatGPT/GPT-4 reliably advised to call emergency services only in 12 of 22 cases (54%), gave correct first aid instructions in 9 cases (45%) and incorrectly advised advanced life support techniques to parents in 3 of 22 cases (13.6%). CONCLUSION: Considering these results of the recent ChatGPT versions, the validity, reliability and thus safety of ChatGPT/GPT-4 as an emergency support tool is questionable. However, whether humans would perform better in the same situation is uncertain. Moreover, other studies have shown that human emergency call operators are also inaccurate, partly with worse performance than ChatGPT/GPT-4 in our study. However, one of the main limitations of the study is that we used prototypical cases, and the management may differ from urban to rural areas and between different countries, indicating the need for further evaluation of the context sensitivity and adaptability of the model. Nevertheless, ChatGPT and the new versions under development may be promising tools for assisting lay first responders, operators, and professionals in diagnosing a paediatric emergency. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Emotional and Psychological Effects of Dysphagia: Validation of the Jugendwerk Dysphagia Emotion and Family Assessment (JDEFA).

INTRODUCTION: Patients suffering from swallowing disorders are experiencing emotional effects like anger, anxiety, and sadness. This may be affecting patient-therapist relation and family functioning. To assess emotional reaction and their influence on family systems, we developed a 55-item questionnaire based on the Atlas of Emotion and the Calgary Family Intervention Model. METHODS: We recruited more than 160 participants to validate an online survey, namely the Jugendwerk Dysphagia Emotion and Family Assessment Score (JDEFA). Forty-Nine health care workers, patients, and family members completed the survey and provided additional comments regarding interactions of emotions and dysphagia. Analysis was accomplished by non-parametric tests and principal component analyses with Varimax rotation. Additionally, we accomplished a qualitative content analysis taking a phenomenological single-coder approach. RESULTS: Analysis revealed a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.93. Using primary component analyses, justified by a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of 0.81, we identified two main factors (emotion and family). Patients experienced sadness and anger more often than health care providers, whereas family members felt anxiety even more often. Our qualitative analysis revealed 20 themes (7 for anger, 2 enjoyment, 4 sadness, 3 anxiety, 2 disgust, 1 shame, and 1 punishment). Predominantly, the fear of choking was mentioned by patients, whereas professionals reported about the fear of making mistakes. CONCLUSION: The JDEFA is a valid and reliable testing tool for the assessment of swallowing disorders concerning emotional aspects and family functioning. Both factors have a significant role in dysphagia and evaluations should go along with functional assessments and psychological scores for a holistic understanding of swallowing disorders.

[Remifentanil Up2date - Part 1]. / Remifentanil up2date ­ Teil 1.

Remifentanil is a short-acting opioid of high analgetic potency and superior controllability. It is widely used in day-case surgery, procedural sedation, for reduction of recovery-times and obstetrics and whenever excellent controllability of opioid effects is needed. Especially in combination with Propofol it is used for target-controlled infusion (TCI). The first part of the article provides readers with information about historical aspects, pharmacological characteristics, effects and side effects of remifentanil.

[Remifentanil up2date - Part 2]. / Remifentanil up2date ­ Teil 2.

Remifentanil is a short-acting opioid of high analgetic potency and superior controllability. It is widely used in day-case surgery, procedural sedation, for reduction of recovery-times and obstetrics and whenever excellent controllability of opioid effects is needed. Especially in combination with propofol it is used for target controlled infusion (TCI). The second part of the article shows the differences between groups of patients regarding the use of remifentanil.

[Diclofenac up2date - Part 1: Pharmacology and comparison with other drugs]. / Diclofenac up2date - Teil 1: Die Pharmakologie und der Vergleich mit anderen Medikamenten.

The non-opioid analgesic diclofenac is used worldwide for musculoskeletal and perioperative pain therapy. Despite its frequent use and easy access as an "over the counter" drug, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal adverse drug effects have to be considered. Availability of diverse formulations (e.g. tablets, suppository, gel-formulations) with different indications, dosage recommendations and contraindications may easily lead to confusion, thus accounting for inadequate use on the one hand or withholding of an effective analgesic. This review may provide physicians in perioperative medicine, intensive care and pain therapy with important and suitable information about the pharmacology and appropriate use of this drug.

[Diclofenac up2date - Part 2: The use in specific groups of patients]. / Diclofenac up2date - Teil 2: Einsatz bei speziellen Patientengruppen.

The non-opioid analgesic diclofenac is used worldwide for musculoskeletal and perioperative pain therapy. Despite its frequent use and easy access as an "over the counter" drug, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal adverse drug effects have to be considered. Availability of diverse formulations (e.g. tablets, suppository, gel-formulations) with different indications, dosage recommendations and contraindications may easily lead to confusion, thus accounting for inadequate use on the one hand or withholding of an effective analgesic. This review may provide physicians in perioperative medicine, intensive care and pain therapy with important and suitable information about the pharmacology and appropriate use of this drug.

Applicability and Validity of Second Victim Assessment Instruments among General Practitioners and Healthcare Assistants (SEVID-IX Study).

BACKGROUND: The second victim phenomenon and moral injury are acknowledged entities of psychological harm for healthcare providers. Both pose risks to patients, healthcare workers, and medical institutions, leading to further adverse events, economic burden, and dysfunctionality. Preceding studies in Germany and Austria showed a prevalence of second victim phenomena exceeding 53 percent among physicians, nurses, emergency physicians, and pediatricians. Using two German instruments for assessing moral injury and second victim phenomena, this study aimed to evaluate their feasibility for general practitioners and healthcare assistants. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide anonymous online survey in Germany among general practitioners and healthcare assistants utilizing the SeViD (Second Victims in Deutschland) questionnaire, the German version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool Revised Version (G-SVESTR), and the German version of the Moral Injury Symptom and Support Scale for Health Professionals (G-MISS-HP). RESULTS: Out of 108 participants, 67 completed the survey. In G-SVESTR, the collegial support items exhibited lower internal consistency than in prior studies, while all other scales showed good-quality properties. Personality traits, especially neuroticism, negatively correlated to age, seem to play a significant role in symptom count and warrant further evaluation. Multiple linear regression indicated that neuroticism, agreeableness, G-SVESTR, and G-MISS-HP were significant predictors of symptom count. Furthermore, moral injury partially mediated the relationship between second victim experience and symptom count. DISCUSSION: The results demonstrate the feasible use of the questionnaires, except for collegial support. With respect to selection bias and the cross-sectional design of the study, moral injury may be subsequent to the second victim phenomenon, strongly influencing symptom count in retrospect. This aspect should be thoroughly evaluated in future studies.

Learning motivation and self-assessment in health economics: a survey on overconfidence in healthcare providers.

INTRODUCTION: Lifelong learning is the foundation for professionals to maintain competence and proficiency in several aspects of economy and medicine. Until now, there is no evidence of overconfidence (the belief to be better than others or tested) and clinical tribalism (the belief that one's own group outperforms others) in the specialty of health economics. We investigated the hypothesis of overconfidence effects and their relation to learning motivation and motivational patterns in healthcare providers regarding healthcare economics. METHODS: We conducted a national convenience online survey of 116 healthcare workers recruited from social and personal networks to detect overconfidence effects and clinical tribalism and to assess learning motivation. Instruments included self-assessments for five learning dimensions (factual knowledge, skills, attitude, problem-solving and behaviour) and a four-item situational motivation scale. The analysis comprised paired t-tests, correlation analyses and two-step cluster analyses. RESULTS: We detected overplacement, overestimation and signs of clinical tribalism. Responders in the physician subgroup rated themselves superior to colleagues and that their professional group was superior to other professions. Participants being educators in other competencies showed high overconfidence in health economics. We detected two groups of learners: overconfident but motivated persons and overconfident and unmotivated learners. Learning motivation did not correlate with overconfidence effects. DISCUSSION: We could show the presence of overconfidence in health economics, which is consistent with studies in healthcare and the economy. The subjective perception of some medical educators, being role models to students and having a superior 'attitude' (eg, morality) concerning the economy may foster prejudice against economists as students might believe them. It also may aggravate moral distress and disrupts interactions between healthcare providers managers and leaders. Considering the study's limitations, lifelong interprofessional and reflective training and train-the-trainer programmes may be mandatory to address the effects.

Hand hygiene in emergencies: Multiprofessional perceptions from a mixed methods based online survey in Germany.

Introduction: Despite high vulnerability to infection, hand disinfection compliance in emergencies is low. This is regularly justified as the disinfection procedure delays life support, and instead, wearing disposable gloves is preferred. Simulation studies showed higher achievable compliance than detected in real-life situations. This study aimed to explore healthcare providers' attitudes toward hand disinfection and using gloves in emergencies. Methods: We conducted an anonymous online survey in Germany on the attitude and subjective behavior in the five moments of hand hygiene in a closed environment and an open convenience sampling survey. Statistics included paired student's t-tests corrected for multiple testing. For qualitative analysis, we employed a single-coder approach. Results: In 400 participants, we detected low priority of WHO-1 (before touching a patient) and WHO-2 (before clean/aseptic procedure) hand hygiene moments, despite knowing the risks of omission of hand disinfection. For all moments, self-assessment exceeded the assessment of colleagues (p < 0.001). For WHO-3, we detected a lower disinfection priority for wearing gloves compared to contaminated bare hands. Qualitative analyses revealed five themes: basic conditions, didactic implementations, cognitive load, and uncertainty about feasibility and efficacy. Discussion: Considering bias, the study's subjective nature, the unknown role of emergency-related infections contributing to hospital-acquired infections, and different experiences of healthcare providers, we conclude that hand disinfection before emergencies is de-prioritized and justified by the emergency situation regardless of the objective feasibility. Conclusion: This study reveals subjective and objective barriers to implementation of WHO-1 and WHO-2 moments of hand disinfection to be further evaluated and addressed in educational programs.

[Propofol up2date. Part 1: history and pharmacological characteristics]. / Propofol up2date. Teil 1: Geschichte und pharmakologische Charakteristika.

Propofol is a common hypnotic agent in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine and for procedural sedation as well. Despite the intensive usage the full potential, pharmacokinetic and -dynamic abilities, interactions and side effects of the substance may not be realized by all providers. Additionally there is dispute and unwarranted myth about the substance. Propofol is a highly potent hypnotic with a wide range of (un)desired effects. This article is reviewing the diversity of the substance in clinical practice.

[Propofol up2date]. / Propofol up2date - Teil 2: Patientengruppen, unerwünschte Wirkungen und die Nachfolgesubstanz Fospropofol.

Propofol is a common hypnotic agent in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine and for procedural sedation as well. Despite the intensive usage the full potential, pharmacokinetic and -dynamic abilities, interactions and side effects of the substance may not be realized by all providers. Additionally there is dispute and unwarranted myth about the substance. Propofol is a highly potent hypnotic with a wide range of (un)desired effects. This article is reviewing the diversity of the substance in clinical practice.

[Case report--Fontan patient on the Southside Festival--60 000 visitors / 119 999 ventricles]. / Kasuistik - Fontan-Patient auf dem Southside Festival--60 000 Besucher/119 999 Herzkammern.

Patients with univentricular congenital heart disease are treated with Fontan-procedure for more than 40 years resulting in mainly good life-quality for pediatric and now more and more adult patients. Due to prolonged life expectation and adequate physical state, adolescent and adult Fontan-patients participate in normal life activities like the main population. Mass events like open-air concerts and sport events belong to these activities.Since 1999 the Southside Festival is one of the main open air events in southern Germany with about 60.000 visitors. Visitors with minor or major health problems are treated by emergency response services like the German Red Cross, the German St Johns Ambulance and the German Order of Malta. The article refers to the special pathophysiology and management of Fontan-patients in emergency and anaesthesiologic settings based on a case report from the Southside Festival. Due to increasing "fontanpopulation" profound education of attending physicians and paramedics is inevitable to provide good quality in prehospital and innerhospital care.

Analysis of microbial contamination during use and reprocessing of surgical instruments and sterile packaging systems.

A surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common surgical complications. This study analyzed different sources of microorganisms in the air, on reusable surgical instruments, and the outer surface of sterile packaging systems during the use and reprocessing of sterile goods (from the operating room (OR) to the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD)). The microbial load in the air was analyzed via active air sampling and settle plates. Furthermore, the airborne particle load was measured by a particle counter. Contact agar plates were used to determine the microbial load on surgical instruments and sterile packaging systems. The highest average microbial and particle load was measured in the air of the OR (active air sampling: max. 56 CFU/m3; settle plates: max. 9 CFU; ≥0.3 µm particles in size: 1,958,403 no./m3). However, no microbial load (0 CFU) was detected on surgical instruments sampled in the OR. The outer surface of stored sterile packaging systems showed a maximal microbial load of 64 CFU. The most common identified pathogen was coagulase-negative staphylococci. Compared to properly reprocessed reusable surgical instruments and sterile packaging systems, the air still seems to be the primary potential source of microbial contamination, especially within the OR.

Factors affecting duration of inability to work after intramedullary stabilization of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures.

BACKGROUND: Duration of inability to work (DIW) after displaced midshaft clavicular fractures (DMCF) is an important clinical and socioeconomic treatment outcome. However, evidence on DIW after DMCF intramedullary stabilization (IMS) is still limited. We aimed to examine DIW and identify medical and socioeconomic predictors with direct or indirect impact on DIW after IMS of DMCF. HYPOTHESIS: Socioeconomic predictors can explain the unique proportion of the DIW variance after IMS of DMCF above the variance explained by medical predictors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using a retrospective cohort unicentric design, we included patients surgically treated with IMS after DMCF from 2009-2022 with employment status subject to compulsory social security contributions, and without major postoperative complications, in one level II trauma center in Germany. In total, we tested the impact of 17 different medical (i.e., smoking, body mass index [BMI], operative duration, etc.) and socioeconomic predictors (i.e., health insurance type, physical workload, etc.) on DIW. Statistics included multiple regression and path analyses. RESULTS: A total of 166 patients met the eligibility criteria, with DIW 35.1±31.1days. Operative duration, physical workload, and physical therapy prolonged the DIW (p<0.001). In contrast, enrollment in private health insurance reduced the DIW (p<0.05). Furthermore, the effect of BMI and fracture complexity on DIW was fully mediated by operative duration. The model explained 43% of the DIW variance. DISCUSSION: Socioeconomic factors were found to directly predict the DIW, even after controlling for medical predictors, which confirmed our research question. This is in line with previous findings and highlights the relevance of socioeconomic predictors in this context. We believe that the proposed model can serve surgeons and patients as an orientation guide to estimate the DIW after IMS of DMCF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV - retrospective observational cohort study with no control group.

[The KomMent study: a pilot project on structured interprofessional communication in uro-oncology]. / Die KomMent-Studie: ein Pilotprojekt zur strukturierten interprofessionellen Kommunikation in der Uroonkologie.

BACKGROUND: Communication and interprofessional collaboration with patients diagnosed with cancer is challenging. Structured communication training has not yet been integrated into postgraduate medical education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of an 80-teaching unit interprofessional communication training (ICT), as recommended in the National Cancer Plan, at a clinic with a uro-oncological focus. METHODS: A needs assessment was conducted using focus groups and individual interviews. Learning objectives were aligned with (inter)national learning objective catalogs. The ICT was developed using the six-step approach according to Kern and design-based research. Utilization and acceptance were evaluated. The ICT comprised six face-to-face workshops (50 teaching units) and team supervision sessions (10 teaching units). Six defined settings were identified for the individual workplace-based training (20 teaching units): Ward rounds, handover, reporting of medical findings, admission and discharge interviews, and a freely choosable setting. RESULTS: Physician participation rates in the workshops were 83.0% and nursing participation rates were 58.3%. Utilization of the workplace-based training was 97%. The physicians evaluated the ICT very positively. All participants felt better prepared for discussions with patients and relatives. For continuity, physicians were trained as mentors. CONCLUSION: The implementation of an ICT with 80 teaching units is successfully feasible in a urological clinic and leads to a sustainable improvement of the communication culture, among other things through mentor training.

Second Victims among German Emergency Medical Services Physicians (SeViD-III-Study).

BACKGROUND: Patient care in the prehospital emergency setting is error-prone. Wu's publications on the second victim syndrome made very clear that medical errors may lead to severe emotional injury on the caregiver's part. So far, little is known about the extent of the problem within the field of prehospital emergency care. Our study aimed at identifying the prevalence of the Second Victim Phenomenon among Emergency Medical Services (EMS) physicians in Germany. METHODS: Web-based distribution of the SeViD questionnaire among n = 12.000 members of the German Prehospital Emergency Physician Association (BAND) to assess general experience, symptoms and support strategies associated with the Second Victim Phenomenon. RESULTS: In total, 401 participants fully completed the survey, 69.1% were male and the majority (91.2%) were board-certified in prehospital emergency medicine. The median length of experience in this field of medicine was 11 years. Out of 401 participants, 213 (53.1%) had experienced at least one second victim incident. Self-perceived time to full recovery was up to one month according to 57.7% (123) and more than one month to 31.0% (66) of the participants. A total of 11.3% (24) had not fully recovered by the time of the survey. Overall, 12-month prevalence was 13.7% (55/401). The COVID-19 pandemic had little effect on SVP prevalence within this specific sample. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the Second Victim Phenomenon is very frequent among prehospital emergency physicians in Germany. However, four out of ten caregivers affected did not seek or receive any assistance in coping with this stressful situation. One out of nine respondents had not yet fully recovered by the time of the survey. Effective support networks, e.g., easy access to psychological and legal counseling as well as the opportunity to discuss ethical issues, are urgently required in order to prevent employees from further harm, to keep healthcare professionals from leaving this field of medical care and to maintain a high level of system safety and well-being of subsequent patients.

Overconfidence effects and learning motivation refreshing BLS: An observational questionnaire study.

Aim of the study: Regular refresher skill courses are necessary to maintain competence in basic life support. The utilization of these training programs strongly depends on the motivation to learn. Learning motivation may be affected by overconfidence and clinical tribalism, as they both imply a higher competence compared to others, and therefore, a lower demand for training. This study aimed to assess how overconfidence in basic life support competencies affects learning motivation. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, observational, multicenter, anonymous online questionnaire survey using validated psychometric tests for healthcare professionals in Germany. Further, we tested participants' knowledge and attitude regarding international basic life support guidelines. The study was conducted between March and April 2022, and healthcare providers from 22 German emergency medical services and hospitals at all levels were assessed. Results: Of 2,000 healthcare professionals assessed, 407 completed the assessment (response rate, 20.4%). We confirmed the presence of overconfidence and clinical tribalism (identity differentiation between social groups) among the 407 physicians, nurses, and emergency medical service providers who completed the survey. Three different learning-motivation groups emerged from cluster analysis: "experts" (confident and motivated), "recruitables" (overconfident and motivated), and "unawares" (overconfident and unmotivated). The three groups were present in all professional groups, independent of the frequency of exposure to cardiac arrest and educational level. Conclusions: These findings showed the presence of overconfidence effects and different learning motivation types in individuals learning basic life support, even in instructors.

Self-Stigmatization of Healthcare Workers in Intensive Care, Acute, and Emergency Medicine.

This quantitative study examines whether employees in the fields of intensive care or acute and emergency medicine experience psychological distress because of their daily work. In addition, it was examined if self-stigmatization tendencies can significantly influence the willingness to seek help, and therefore psychological problems are not being treated adequately. These problems lead to various difficulties in professional and private contexts and ultimately endanger patient safety. From May to June 2021, an online questionnaire survey was conducted. This questionnaire combined two validated measuring instruments (PHQ-D and SSDS). To ensure high participation, the departments of anesthesia and/or intensive care medicine in 68 German hospitals were contacted, of which 5 responded positively. A total of 244 people participated in the questionnaire survey. On average, depressive symptoms were of mild severity. At the same time, self-stigmatization regarding depressive symptoms was high. These results highlight the practical need to prepare staff who work in the field of intensive care or acute and emergency medicine at the early onset for potentially traumatic and emotionally demanding events during their university education or studies. Adequate, evaluated, and continuously available support services from the psychosocial field should become an integral part of every staff care structure.