Surgical Trainer and Trainee Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Wellbeing Initiatives in Australian Hospitals

Purpose: Surgical trainees are at increased risk of burnout and poor wellbeing compared to the general population. Few hospital wellbeing programs have been evaluated from the perspective of those delivering and receiving surgical training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of trainee wellbeing programs in Australian hospitals from supervisors’ and trainees’ perspectives. Methods: A mixed-methods online survey was distributed to surgical trainees and trainers across Australia. Participants were asked to identify trainee wellbeing programs at their hospital and outline their views on program effectiveness. Qualitative data were analysed using an inductive-deductive process with the JD-R theory as a scaffold. Results: One in five respondents (22%) were aware of one or more trainee wellbeing programs at their hospital. Most (70%) felt the program was ineffective or were unsure (23%). Workplace demands identified for prioritised targeting with future interventions included: (i) excessive working hours and workload; (ii) lack of support networks; (iii) demanding physical work environment; and (iv) demanding psychological work environment. Conclusions: Few surgical supervisors and trainees are aware of wellbeing programs or initiatives in their hospitals, and initiatives that do exist are generally viewed as ineffective. Future interventions should target excessive working hours and lack of support networks to maximise effectiveness.