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

Rebekah M. Kleinsmith, Stephen A. Doxey, Haley D. Puckett, Elizabeth A. Duckworth, Michael Milshteyn, Austin D. Hill, Brian P. Cunningham

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

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

DESIGN: Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

SETTING: International Online Survey.

PARTICIPANT SELECTION CRITERIA: After approval by the OTA research committee, the survey was available to all active and associate OTA Members.

OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: 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 3 strategies to increase career satisfaction from most to least effective were increased compensation, case delay reduction, and decreased work hours. Most surgeons reported that if their number 1 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 most respondents reporting that their cases were delayed on average between 15 and 60 minutes (n = 222, 81.9%). The number 1 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 to improve the delivery of orthopaedic trauma care across North America.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)109-113
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of orthopaedic trauma
Volume39
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2025

Keywords

  • job satisfaction
  • operating room efficiency
  • surgeon frustration
  • turnover time
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Traumatology
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Orthopedic Surgeons
  • Societies, Medical
  • Orthopedics
  • Female
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Adult
  • Frustration

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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