Post-traumatic stress disorder in international surgeons undertaking trauma electives in a South African trauma centre

Abstract

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well-documented psychiatric outcome in patients who experience physical trauma. The phenomenon is less studied in the staff involved in caring for such patients. The aim was to investigate the prevalence of PTSD in visiting international surgeons undergoing elective trauma training and to compare to local and international rates.

Methods: A trauma screening questionnaire (TSQ) survey was conducted among surgeons completing their elective trauma service placements in the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service.

Results: Nineteen surveys were completed (32% response rate). Mean age was 38.9 (SD 6.5). Median postgraduate working experience was 5 (2–10) years. Median time of stay in South Africa was 6 (1–72) months. Compared to preelective experience, there was a five-fold increase in the level of trauma resuscitation experience reported during elective placement. 10.5% of surgeons scored > 5 in the TSQ suggesting probable PTSD. No statistical differences in age, years of prior experience, prior trauma rotation, number of major resuscitations, or length of stay in South Africa were observed in those scoring positive versus negative screening in the TSQ questionnaire.

Conclusion: Despite being exposed to increased levels of trauma related injury, we observed low rates of positive screening for PTSD in our cohort of visiting international surgeons involved in elective trauma service placements. Investigation of potential protective factors against PTSD in this South African tertiary trauma centre is warranted.