Reflecting on and managing the emotional impact of prosthetic joint infections on orthopaedic surgeons—a qualitative study

AIMS: To investigate the experience and emotional impact of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) on orthopaedic surgeons and identify holistic strategies to improve the management of PJI and protect surgeons' wellbeing. METHODS: In total, 18 prosthetic joint surgeons in Sweden were recruited using a purposive sampling strategy. Content analysis was performed on transcripts of individual in-person interviews conducted between December 2017 and February 2018. RESULTS: PJI had a negative emotional impact on Swedish surgeons. Many felt guilt, stress, and a sense of failure, and several aspects of PJI management were associated with psychosocial challenges. Peer support was reported as the most important coping strategy as was collaborating with infectious disease specialists. CONCLUSION: 2020;102-B(6):736-743.