Background: Obstetricians will experience maternal and perinatal deaths throughout their careers. There is little data on how providers, including trainees, are impacted by these losses.
Methods: A survey was emailed to all Obstetrics and Gynecology residents and faculty. Validated questionnaires were utilized to screen for PTSD (PC-PTSD) and Depression (PQH4).
Results: Twenty five residents completed the survey (74%). Nine residents (36%) reported they had experienced a maternal death. Twenty two (88%) of the residents responded that they had been involved in a perinatal death. The majority (70%) of the residents reported they had been involved in 2-5 maternal or perinatal deaths. Three residents had a positive screen for PTSD. Eight screened positive for depression. Three residents screened positive in both areas. One resident, who did not screen positive for PTSD or depression, considered changing careers. Two residents sought mental health treatment to help cope with the death of a patient in their professional life. Two residents used substances to help them cope. Residents reported significantly more anxiety/ depression following an adverse event than faculty (p=0.025). There was no significant difference between residents and faculty of reported PTSD symptoms, work-related problems or perceived support following an adverse event.
Discussions: Most residents will be involved in a maternal or perinatal death. Residents are more significantly impacted than faculty. Program Directors must identify at-risk residents to ensure additional support is offered.
Keywords: Faculty Development, Patient Safety/Medical Errors, Professionalism
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2017, Resident, Faculty, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Professionalism, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, GME, Faculty Development,
Samantha Margulies, MD, Yale University; Joshua Benham, MD; Joan Liebermann, MD; Nancy Gaba, MD; Jennifer Keller, MD
