Frustrations in Providing Orthopaedic Trauma Care: An OTA Member Survey Study.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine sources of frustration for surgeons and how they might affect job satisfaction within the orthopaedic trauma community.

Methods: A 25-question survey regarding potential common causes of frustration, operating room (OR) utilization, and career satisfaction was electronically distributed to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) membership.

Results: Four hundred seventy-one surgeons participated in the survey (response rate 27.5%). The highest ranked source of frustration was OR turnover time, followed by staff turnover, and OR scheduling. Most reported they were very satisfied with their career (n=240, 51.0%). The top three strategies to increase career satisfaction from most to least effective were increased compensation, case delay reduction, and decreased work hours. The majority of surgeons reported that if their number one frustration was solved, they would feel a higher level of career satisfaction (very satisfied: n=344, 73.1%). Most felt their cases did not start on time (n=273, 58.0%), with the majority of respondents reporting that their cases were delayed on average between 15-60 minutes (n=222, 81.9%). The number one ranked reason for case start delays was OR turnover and case setup, followed by the anesthesia team.

Conclusions: Many surgeons within the orthopaedic trauma community reported concern with OR turnover time and staff turnover. Addressing these sources of frustration is crucial to maintaining surgeon well-being and can aid in optimizing delivery of patient care. Future studies should seek out institutions that have successfully addressed these common frustrations and identify potential strategies in order to improve the delivery of orthopaedic trauma care across North America.

Level of evidence: Level V.