This site uses cookies to bring you the best experience. Find out more
Skip to main content

CBS Clinical Psychologist in-Residence Dr Richard Sherry's Damning Verdict to the ASiT Report

'NOT Healthy Occupational Environments' - Damning Verdict on Non-Financial Cost of Surgical Training from ASiT, by CBS Clinical Psychologist in-Residence Dr Richard Sherry, whose roles have included working as the former Head Clinical Psychologist for the Inpatient’s treatment for the US military; the Clinical Psychologist for Essex Fire and Rescue and latterly has helped develop the Aerospace component for the BPS an Aviation and Aerospace Psychology, says;

"The findings of the report speak to the real practical, physical, and emotional impact of training surgeons' experience when proper care is not put into these trainees' well-being. As well, the recommendations clearly highlight the real changes that map out the actual scale of the problem, and meaningful remedies needed to redress actual harm that is being created by occupational and human factor mismanagement.

"These findings are similar to some of the needs for younger pilots, where the scheduling impacts of very demanding schedules, commutes, 0 hours contracts, not having the right support and mentoring are having appreciable impacts on trainees' physical health (76.8% in ASiT stating that training has had a negative impact on them). Even greater number, 84.3% have said that their mental health has suffered directly as a result of their surgical training. These are alarmingly high numbers of the population sample, communicating that these are not healthy occupational environments.

"This report tackles what trusts and training organisations can do to shift the occurrence by taking steps such as, reducing uncertainty related to trainees' surgical experience and developing a positive structure that brings more locus of control to their learning journey and helps embed them with a much more supportive peer group. The organisational culture of creating a ‘poor work—life balance’ is tasked with providing self-development time to encourage building in a reflective capacity, as well as ensuring the hospitals can better understand the challenges and support needed with overnight shift work, for example, for providing accommodation and food for these night shifts.

"Overall, better addressing the ‘Negative working culture’ provides fundamental steps where dialogue and feedback redress some of the complete sense of being negated and undermined with having a seat at the table to ensure the care and expertise that goes into their care is also reciprocally ensured so they can safely and compassionately take care of others.  These critical ingredients for justice and safety are all essential to providing sustainable and healthy working environments."

 

Read other news articles