Reported Pain at Work Is a Risk Factor for Vascular Surgery Trainee Burnout
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Work-related pain is a known risk factor for vascular surgeon burnout. It risks early attrition from our workforce and is a recognized threat to the specialty. Our study aimed to understand whether work-related pain similarly contributed to vascular surgery trainee well-being. METHODS: A confidential, voluntary survey was administered after the 2022 VSITE to trainees in all ACGME-accredited vascular surgery programs. Burnout was measured by a modified, abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory; pain after a full day of work was measured using a 10-point Likert scale and then dichotomized as "no to mild pain" (0-2) vs "moderate to severe pain" (3-9). Univariable analyses and multivariable regression assessed associations of pain with well-being indicators (e.g., burnout, thoughts of attrition, and thoughts of career change). Pain management strategies were included as additional covariables in our study. RESULT: 527 trainees completed the survey (82.2% response rate). 38% reported moderate to severe pain after a full day of work of whom 73.6% reported using ergonomic adjustments and 67.0% used over-the-counter medications. Significantly more women reported moderate to severe pain than men (44.3% vs 34.5%, p<0.01). After adjusting for gender, training level, race/ethnicity, mistreatment, and dissatisfaction with operative autonomy, moderate-to-severe pain (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.48-4.26) and using physiotherapy as pain management (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.02-9.14) were risk factors for burnout. Moderate to severe pain was not a risk factor for thoughts of attrition or career change following adjustment. CONCLUSION: Physical pain is prevalent among vascular surgery trainees and represents a risk factor for trainee burnout. Programs should consider mitigating this occupational hazard by offering ergonomic education and adjuncts, such as posture awareness and microbreaks during surgery, early and throughout training.