Authors
Discussion
Loading...
Member takes
Implication
Cross-sectional survey reveals elevated suicidal ideation and care avoidance among surgeons, highlighting an urgent need to address career barriers to mental healthcare.
Key Points
- To assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation among surgeons, determine their utilization of mental health resources, and identify associated burnout and depressive symptoms.
- Administered an anonymous cross-sectional survey in June 2008 to members of the American College of Surgeons (N=7,905; 31.7% response rate).
- Assessed suicidal ideation, mental health resource use, depression via a validated screening tool, and burnout across three domains (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment).
- Suicidal ideation in the past 12 months was reported by 6.3% (501/7,905) of surgeons and was 1.5 to 3.0 times more prevalent among surgeons aged ≥45 years than in the general population (P < .02).
- Only 26.0% (130/501) of surgeons with recent suicidal ideation sought psychiatric or psychological help, while 60.1% (301/501) avoided care due to concerns regarding their medical license.
- Depression (OR 7.012; P < .001) and burnout (OR 1.910; P < .001) were independently associated with suicidal ideation after controlling for personal and professional characteristics.
Cite This Study
Tait D. Shanafelt (2011) studied this question.