Secondary Traumatic Stress in Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty, House Officers, and Certified Nurse Midwives

Abstract

Background: Although the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress (STS) in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) is established, little is known about its effect on different OBGYN providers. We examined variances in impact of STS between OBGYN faculty, house officers (HO), and certified nurse midwives (CNM), as well as barriers and desired resources for support. Methods: All OBGYN providers at one academic institution received a survey in May 2024 assessing prevalence of STS, distress, resources, and barriers to support. Differences among provider types were examined by likelihood-ratio Chi-squared tests. Results: Of 165 individuals receiving the survey, 92 (55.8%) responded (faculty 57.0%, HOs 57.8%, CNMs 50.0%). Most respondents (91.3%) had experienced a traumatic work event; faculty reported the highest rate (95.9%). While all respondents experienced high rates of psychological and physical distress from an adverse event, faculty were most fearful of future occurrences (90.9% vs. HOs 69.6%, CNMs 53.9%, p = 0.03) and reported more difficulty sleeping (36.4% vs. HOs 17.4%, CNMs 23.1%, p = 0.04). Adverse events negatively impacted professional self-efficacy. Faculty, particularly, reported high rates (76%) of feeling inadequate, although this was not statistically different from HOs (55%) or CNMs (50%), p = 0.31. All groups cited involvement in a legal situation as the principal reason for seeking support, peer support as the preferred intervention, and time as the biggest barrier to seeking support. Conclusions: Nearly all OBGYN providers experience STS after adverse events. This study highlights stressors unique to faculty. Intentional programming and support for faculty are needed to promote well-being and professional development.