Evaluation of Stress Levels of Trainee Cardiac Surgery Residents during Training Interventions Using Physiological Stress Parameters.

BACKGROUND: This study analysed the psychological and psycho-emotional stress in cardiac surgery. Using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, it is possible to record intraoperative objective stress responses in surgeons. The aim of the study was to assess with the help of HRV parameters the postulated increased stress levels of cardiac surgeons in training compared to experienced senior cardiothoracic surgeons in exactly the same work situation in order to make qualification-differentiated statements about physiological stress during surgical interventions. METHODS: During surgical teaching procedures, long-term ECG data (n = 15 each) for two operating residents and their assisting senior physicians were recorded. Time and frequency domain HRV parameters were analysed. RESULTS: The time-related parasympathetic-dominated HRV parameters RMSSD (19.5 ms vs. 28.1 ms), NN50 (297.67 vs. 693.40), and cardiac interval mean RR (692.8 ms vs. 737.3 ms) indicate a higher stress level in the operating residents compared to the experienced surgeons. The higher stress index (11.61 vs. 8.86) confirms this. CONCLUSION: Compared to experienced surgeons, operating residents showed lower parasympathetic activity and higher stress levels during cardiac surgery training procedures.

Is there anybody out there: what do senior surgeons expect of their youngsters?

Surgery is indeed one of the most fascinating medical professions. However, it is also a stressful field of work with a high workload, and often leaves little time for personal and family needs. Within the last decade, a noticeable decline occurred in the willingness of medical students to enter a surgical residency. In fact, Generation Y is highly interested in a medical career with a respectful working atmosphere and balanced work and private life, as published in several recent papers. Therefore, surgery must evolve with the times to retain its attractiveness as a career choice for medical students and to compete for the best talents from Generation Y. However, little is known about what senior surgeons really expect from young surgical residents. On the basis of a recent survey by the Professional Association of German Surgeons, this paper tries to give some insights in this very relevant topic and a perspective on how to increase the attractiveness of our fascinating specialty. In fact, in this survey, senior surgeons defined a very clear requirement profile for surgical residency applicants. While the colleagues defined accurate applicant documents, a previous internship, self-motivation, and impressions from the job interview as the most important factors for a successful application for a surgical residency, a standard period of study or a dissertation was deemed of lower importance.