Project description:Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from a traumatic experience that elicits emotions of fear, helpless or horror. Most individuals remain asymptomatic or symptoms quickly resolve, but in a minority intrusive imagery and nightmares, emotional numbing and avoidance, and hyperarousal persist for decades. PTSD is associated with psychiatric and medical co-morbidities, increased risk for suicide, and with poor social and occupational functioning. Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are common treatments. Whereas, research supports the efficacy of the cognitive behavioral psychotherapies, there is insufficient evidence to unequivocally support the efficacy of any specific pharmacotherapy. Proven effective pharmacologic agents are sorely needed to treat core and targeted PTSD symptoms, and for prevention. This review describes current and emerging pharmacotherapies that advance these goals.
Project description:FKBP5 regulates the cortisol-binding affinity and nuclear translocation of the glucocorticoid receptor. Polymorphisms at the FKBP5 locus have been associated with increased recurrence risk of depressive episodes and rapid response to antidepressant treatment. A recent study showed that FKBP5 genotypes moderated the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms associated with childhood maltreatment. One thousand one hundred forty-three European Americans (EAs) and 1284 African Americans (AAs) recruited for studies of the genetics of substance dependence were also screened for lifetime PTSD. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FKBP5, rs3800373, rs9296158, rs1360780, and rs9470080, were genotyped on the complete sample. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the interactive effect of FKBP5 polymorphisms and childhood adversity on the risk for PTSD. After correction for multiple testing, childhood adversity significantly increased the risk for PTSD. FKBP5 genotypes were not associated with the development of the disorder. In AAs, one of the SNPs, rs9470080, moderated the risk of PTSD that was associated with childhood abuse. Without childhood adverse experiences, participants with the TT genotype of this SNP had the lowest risk for PTSD, whereas they had the highest risk for PTSD after childhood adversity exposure. In addition, in EAs, alcohol dependence was observed to interact with childhood adverse experiences, and also FKBP5 polymorphisms, to increase the risk for PTSD. This study provides further evidence of a gene x environment effect of FKBP5 and childhood abuse on the risk for PTSD in AAs. Further study is required in other populations.
Project description:BackgroundCOVID-19 has placed demands on General Surgery residents, who are already at high risk of burnout. This study examined the pandemic's impact on burnout and wellness among General Surgery residents at a large training program.MethodsGeneral Surgery residents at our institution completed a survey focused on self-reported burnout, mental health, perceptions of wellness resources, and changes in activities during the pandemic. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Unsupervised machine learning (k-means clustering) was used to identify profiles of burnout and comparisons between profiles were made.ResultsOf 82 eligible residents, 51 completed the survey (62% response rate). During COVID-19, 63% of residents had self-described burnout, 43% had depression, 18% acknowledged binge drinking/drug use, and 8% had anxiety. There were no significant differences from pre-pandemic levels (p all >.05). Few residents perceived available wellness resources as effective (6%). Based on MBI scores, the clustering analysis identified three clusters, characterized as "overextended", "engaged", and "ineffective". Engaged residents had the least concerning MBI scores and were significantly more likely to exercise, retain social contact during the pandemic, and had less self-reported anxiety or depression. Research residents were overrepresented in the ineffective cluster (46%), which had high rates of self-reported burnout (77%) and was characterized by the lowest personal accomplishment scores. Rates of self-reported burnout for overextended and engaged residents were 73% and 48%, respectively.ConclusionSurgical residents have high rates of self-reported burnout and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clusters of burnout may offer targets for individualized intervention.
Project description:Importance:Attrition from general surgery training is highest during internship. Whether the expectations and attitudes of new trainees affect their subsequent risk of attrition is unknown. Objective:To identify the expectations of general surgery residency associated with attrition from training. Design, Setting, and Participants:This prospective observational cohort study included categorical general surgery interns entering training in the 2007-2008 academic year. Residents were surveyed regarding their expectations of training and of life as an attending at the start of their intern year (June 1 to August 31, 2007). Expectations were grouped into factors by principal component analysis, and a multivariable model was created using these factors in addition to known demographic and program characteristics associated with attrition. Follow-up was completed on December 31, 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures:Attrition from training was determined by linkage to American Board of Surgery resident files through 2016, allowing 8 additional years of follow-up. Results:Of 1048 categorical surgery interns in the study period, 870 took the survey (83.0% response rate), and 828 had complete information available for analysis (524 men [63.3%], 303 women [36.6%], and 1 missing information [0.1%]). Most were white (569 [69.1%]) and at academic programs (500 [60.4%]). Six hundred sixty-six residents (80.4%) completed training. Principal component analysis generated 6 factors. On adjusted analysis, 2 factors were associated with attrition. Interns who choose their residency based on program reputation (factor 2) were more likely to drop out (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.15). Interns who expected as an attending to work more than 80 hours per week, to have a stressful life, and to be the subject of malpractice litigation (career life expectation [factor 6]) were less likely to drop out (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.98). Conclusions and Relevance:Interns with realistic expectations of the demands of residency and life as an attending may be more likely to complete training. Medical students and residents entering training should be given clear guidance in what to expect as a surgery resident.
Project description:IntroductionComplex posttraumatic foot deformity results in painful foot, altered gait and affects cosmesis. We did a retrospective study on 16 patients to analyse the etiology, types of foot deformity and their outcomes after corrective surgery.MethodsThis retrospective study was done on a consecutive series of patients who underwent corrective surgery for complex post-traumatic foot and ankle deformities. There were 16 patients with 18 foot deformities. The duration of deformity, soft tissues, radiographic changes and measurements, type and anatomic localisation of the deformity determined the surgery needed to correct the deformity.ResultsAmong the 18 foot injuries, 16 were open injuries. Among the type of foot deformity, isolated equinus deformity was seen in 12 feet followed by equinovarus and equinocavovarus in three feet each. Seven patients needed modified footwear. None of the patients required walking aid for ambulation at the end of one year follow up.ConclusionTo conclude, soft tissue injuries were the most common cause of posttraumatic foot deformities compared to bony injuries. Equinus deformity was the commonest deformity. Fifteen patients returned to their preinjury work status.
Project description:The United States opioid epidemic is among this century's most profound threats to public health and demands that all physicians consider their role in reversing its trajectory. Previous literature demonstrated that plastic surgery trainees lack vital practices that promote opioid stewardship. However, it is not understood why this practice gap exists. This is a national survey-based study evaluating the availability and effectiveness of opioid education in US plastic surgery programs. A total of 91 residents completed the survey. Our study found that there is an unmet need for practical and comprehensive training regarding safe opioid prescribing among plastic surgery trainees. "Informal training," defined as the "learn as you go" method, was found to be more common than formal training and considerably more valuable according to trainees. Trainees cited real-world applicability of informal training and that it comes from teachers whom they know and trust as valuable attributes of this type of education. Furthermore, the severity of the opioid epidemic has not translated into improved trainee education, as there was no significant difference in knowledge on safe opioid prescribing practices between junior and senior residents. To change the course of the epidemic, plastic surgery programs need to better train younger generations who believe they are critical stakeholders. This study lays the framework for the "formalization of informal training," and the creation of practical and efficacious educational initiatives.
Project description:BackgroundPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common, is associated with substantial morbidity, and is often not recognised in primary care.AimTo explore whether general practitioners (GPs) have significant gaps in their knowledge of PTSD.Design of studyA controlled study.SettingPrimary care in two Scottish regions.MethodA validated postal questionnaire consisting of clinical vignettes for PTSD, acute stress reaction, and depression was used to gather the data. The primary outcome measures were the proportion describing 'best practice' management of PTSD and the comparison of this with the control condition, the proportion describing 'best practice' management of depression. The secondary outcome measures were comparisons of PTSD and depression by recognition, drug treatment, and referral.ResultsTwo-thirds (67.5%) of GPs included PTSD in their differential diagnosis for the PTSD vignette, and 86.8% made a referral to secondary care for the PTSD case. A minority of GPs (42.9%) and only 54.1% of a comparison group of psychiatrists specified the drug treatment of choice for PTSD, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Only 28.3% of GPs had the knowledge to recognise PTSD and prescribe appropriately, compared with 89.8% for depression (P <0.001). Only 10.2% of GPs described best practice for PTSD, compared with 47.7% for depression (P <0.001).ConclusionLack of knowledge is among the reasons for less than ideal recognition and management of PTSD in primary care. Further research should aim to explore the implementation of PTSD guidelines in primary care.
Project description:Background: The spread of the COVID-19 virus presents an unprecedented event that rapidly introduced widespread life threat, economic destabilization, and social isolation. The human nervous system is tuned to detect safety and danger, integrating body and brain responses via the autonomic nervous system. Shifts in brain-body states toward danger responses can compromise mental health. For those who have experienced prior potentially traumatic events, the autonomic threat response system may be sensitive to new dangers and these threat responses may mediate the association between prior adversity and current mental health. Method: The present study collected survey data from adult U.S. residents (n = 1,666; 68% female; Age M = 46.24, SD = 15.14) recruited through websites, mailing lists, social media, and demographically-targeted sampling collected between March and May 2020. Participants reported on their adversity history, subjective experiences of autonomic reactivity, PTSD and depression symptoms, and intensity of worry related to the COVID-19 pandemic using a combination of standardized questionnaires and questions developed for the study. Formal mediation testing was conducted using path analysis and structural equation modeling. Results: Respondents with prior adversities reported higher levels of destabilized autonomic reactivity, PTSD and depression symptoms, and worry related to COVID-19. Autonomic reactivity mediated the relation between adversity and all mental health variables (standardized indirect effect range for unadjusted models: 0.212-0.340; covariate-adjusted model: 0.183-0.301). Discussion: The data highlight the important role of autonomic regulation as an intervening variable in mediating the impact of adversity on mental health. Because of the important role that autonomic function plays in the expression of mental health vulnerability, brain-body oriented therapies that promote threat response reduction should be investigated as possible therapeutic targets.
Project description:IntroductionWe evaluated the effect of an operative coaching (OC) model on general surgery chief residents' operative efficiency (OE) measured by operative times. We hypothesized that higher levels of entrustment surgeons intend to offer resident in future similar cases are associated with improved OE.Materials and methodsFrom July 2018 to June 2019, we used a validated instrument to score prospective resident entrustment in 228 evaluations of 6 chief residents during 12 OC sessions each (3 lap colectomy, 3 lap cholecystectomy, 3 ventral hernia, 3 inguinal hernia). Operative times of matched case CPT codes performed by coached chiefs (N = 500) were matched via CPT code to the cases of uncoached chiefs in the academic year 2016-2017 (N = 478). Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson correlation and one-way ANOVA.ResultsProspective entrustment scores from coached chief residents were associated with significantly shorter operative times in matched complex cases (CC) (r = -0.58, p = 0.0047). A similar trend was observed in noncomplex cases (NCC) (r = -0.29, p = 0.18). Compared to the historical cohort, coached chief residents showed a decrease in mean operative time during complex cases (p = 0.0008, d = 0.44), but an increase in mean operative times for noncomplex cases (p < 0.0001, d = 0.33).ConclusionsAn OC model improves chief residents' prospective entrustment leading to increased OE in cases with greater levels of operative complexity, showing a decrease in mean operative time compared to uncoached residents in certain procedures. This is the first report showing formal coaching may be a method to enhance chief resident OE.
Project description:ImportanceWithin medical specialties, surgical disciplines disproportionately and routinely demonstrate the greatest underrepresentation of women and individuals from racial/ethnic minority groups. Understanding the role that diversity plays in surgical resident training may identify strategies that foster resident resiliency, optimize surgical training, and improve patient outcomes.ObjectiveTo examine the implication of gender and visible minority (VM [ie, nonaboriginal people who are not White individuals]) status for resiliency and training experiences of general surgery residents in Canada.Design, setting, and participantsIn this survey study, a 129-item questionnaire was emailed from May 2018 to July 2018 to all residents enrolled in all Canadian general surgery training programs during the 2017-2018 training year. Survey responses were extracted and categorized into 5 major themes. The survey was designed by the Resident Committee and reviewed by the Governing Board of the Canadian Association of General Surgeons. French and English versions of the survey were created, distributed, and administered using Google Forms.Main outcomes and measuresSurvey questions were formulated to characterize resident diversity and training experience. Self-perceptions of diversity, mentorship, and training experience were evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale (1 for strongly disagree, 2 for disagree, 3 for neither agree or disagree, 4 for agree, and 5 for strongly agree) and open-ended responses. The frequency of perceived unprofessional workplace encounters was evaluated using a 5-point scale (1 for daily, 2 for weekly, 3 for monthly, 4 for annually, and 5 for never).ResultsOf the 510 general surgery residents invited, a total of 210 residents (40.5%) completed the survey. Most respondents were younger than 30 years (119 [56.7%]), were women (112 [53.3%]), reported English as their first language (133 [63.3%]), did not identify as a VM (147 [70.0%]), had no dependents (184 [87.6%]), and were Canadian medical graduates (178 [84.8%]). Women residents who identified as VM compared with male residents who did not identify as a VM were less likely to agree or strongly agree that they had a collegial relationship with staff, (21 [63.6%] vs 61 [89.7%]; P = .01), to feel like they fit in with their training programs (21 [63.6%] vs 56 [82.3%]; P = .003), and to feel valued at work (15 [45.4%] vs 47 [69.1%]; P = .03). Both female residents and female residents who identified as VM described significant concerns about receiving fewer training opportunities because of their gender vs their male peers (54 [48.2%] vs 3 [3.0%]; P < .001). Ninety-one of 112 female residents (81.2%) reported feeling that their medical expertise was dismissed because of their gender at least once annually, with 37 women (33.0%) experiencing dismissal of their expertise at least once every week (P < .001). In contrast, 98% of male residents reported never experiencing dismissal of their medical expertise because of their gender. Similarly, residents with VM status vs those without VM status reported at least monthly dismissal of their expertise because of their race/ethnicity (9 of 63 [14.3%] vs 1 of 147 [0.7%]; P < .001).Conclusions and relevanceIn this study, female sex and VM status appeared to be associated with adverse implications for the training experience of general surgery residents. These findings suggest that new strategies focused on the intersectionality of gender and race/ethnicity are needed to improve the training experience of at-risk residents.