Promoting Surgical Resident Well-being Through Therapist-Facilitated Discussion Groups: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

Jorge G. Zárate Rodriguez, Ariana Naaseh, Katharine E. Caldwell, Jaclynne Hedge, Raquel R. Cabral, Jennifer G. Duncan, Paul Wise

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To improve the well-being and sense of community of surgical trainees. Design: Residents were invited to participate in confidential discussion groups during protected education time to have a safe space to support each other through common struggles. The groups were facilitated by licensed mental health professionals with experience working with medical trainees. An anonymous voluntary wellness survey and a qualitative feedback survey were used to understand residents’ experience participating in these discussion groups. Setting: Single large academic institution. Participants: General surgery and obstetrics and gynecology residents. Results: 677 resident responses to the wellness survey were collected between 2020 and 2023. Compared to residents who participated in < 5 discussion group sessions, residents participating in ≥ 5 sessions reported improved self-perception of their own competency and capability (p = 0.012), and in their ability to contribute to others’ well-being (p = 0.045). They also reported considering more of their co-residents as friends (p = 0.002), increased willingness to discuss personal problems with their co-residents (p < 0.001), and were more likely to report recently working with peers to solve a common problem (p = 0.041). In a second qualitative survey (n = 53), resident feedback revealed an appreciation for the opportunity to discuss shared experiences, creating community, having a safe space and dedicated time for introspection, and receiving input from a therapist. Opportunities for improvement included providing more structure to the discussion, increasing the frequency of group meetings, and focusing on developing coping skills. Conclusion: Therapist-facilitated discussion groups can improve aspects of trainees’ mental well-being and help foster relatedness, community, and shared problem solving with peers. Residency programs should consider incorporating similar programs into their wellness initiatives.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1798-1806
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Surgical Education
Volume81
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2024

Keywords

  • group therapy
  • mental health
  • mindfulness
  • resident wellbeing

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