Structured Abstract
Objectives
To establish the prevalence of performance anxiety amongst
otolaryngologists.
Background
Performance anxiety is a reaction to performing a task under pressure,
and is linked to worse outcomes in professional sport. Awareness of the
negative impact that performance anxiety can have on both surgical
outcomes and the mental health of surgeons is increasing. The Royal
College of Surgeons has recommended further evaluation of anxiety
amongst surgeons so that we can greater understand its implications.
Design
The Sport Competition and Anxiety Test (SCAT) is a validated
questionnaire used to assess anxiety in professional athletes. A
modified version was distributed via the Association of
Otolaryngologists in Training mailing list. Responses were accepted
September-November 2019. Statistical analysis was carried out using
SPSS.
Participants
Information was collected on the grade and sex of respondent.
Main outcome measures
Anxiety levels were calculated using SCAT guidelines.
Results
106 questionnaires were returned 67M:38F (1 unspecified). 22
consultants, 72 registrars and 11 core trainees completed the
questionnaire (1 unspecified). 6% of otolaryngologists were identified
as having high levels of anxiety. Male trainees were less anxious than
female trainees, mean score 15 vs 18 (range 10-27 vs 11-29,
p<0.05). 6% of senior registrars and 9% of junior registrars
had high anxiety compared to 0% consultants.
Conclusion
This data suggests high levels of performance anxiety exist amongst ENT
surgeons. Interestingly, the highest anxiety levels were found in
females and registrar level surgeons. With increasing levels of pressure
and higher burn-out rates amongst surgeons, the need to understand the
relationship between anxiety and surgical performance has never been so
important.