The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a professionally trained, resilience coach for surgical interns.
Mixed-methods study with pre- and postcoaching quantitative surveys measuring burnout and resilience factors and semistructured interviews.
General, Vascular, Cardiac, Plastic, and Urologic Surgery residencies at a tertiary academic center.
Categorical and preliminary interns (N = 25) participated in a year-long, 8-session resilience coaching program for the academic year 2018 to 2019.
Program participants included 17 (68%) men and 8 (32%) women. The precoaching survey administered to interns before the start of the program identified 60% at risk of burnout as measured by the Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory. The mean (standard deviation) Brief Resilience Scale score was 3.8 (0.8), with a trend toward a higher score (greater resilience) among men compared to women (4.1 [0.7] vs 3.4 [1.0], p = 0.10). Following the completion of the coaching program, the mean (standard deviation) Brief Resilience Scale score increased significantly from 3.8 [0.8] to 4.2 [0.7] p = 0.002). There were no changes in other parameters measuring burnout, satisfaction with life, or positive/negative affect. In semistructured interviews (N = 16/25 participants), most interns believed the coaching experience provided useful skills, but expressed concern about the durability of a 1-year intervention. Additionally, leadership-driven wellness at work, including optimizing team dynamics and purpose-driven engagement, were emphasized.
About 60% of new interns at our institution were at risk of burnout. The coaching program was viewed positively and was effective in improving resilience. While this intervention was a useful first step, it should be incorporated into a longitudinal wellness program for the duration of surgical training.
Journal of surgical education. 2020 May 20 [Epub ahead of print]
Yun Song, Robert A Swendiman, Adrienne B Shannon, Samuel Torres-Landa, Faisal N Khan, Noel N Williams, Kristoffel R Dumon, Ari D Brooks, Ronald P DeMatteo, Cary B Aarons
Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania., Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon., University of Pennsylvania, Master of Applied Positive Psychology Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 1ExtraordinaryLife, LLC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania., Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: .