Background
Stress is an adaptive response that has evolutionary advantages with
regards to survival. However, these autonomic and somatic responses have
long been considered to have a detrimental impact on information
processing leading to impairment of function (1). One area that has been
studied is performance anxiety (PA), which is the reaction to performing
a task under a perceived pressure (2).
PA has been researched widely within professional sports and amongst
musicians for many years and is perceived to be an unpleasant emotion
that can negatively affect self-esteem, self-confidence and ultimately
subsequent performance (3). The necessary skills of dedication, focus
and ability to perform under pressure have lead to comparisons between
surgery, professional athletes and musicians (2). In recent times
surgeons have become more interested in the effects PA can have on
operative skills. (4). Athletes often have coaching and training
specifically on the mental aspects of performance as this positively
impacts on self-confidence and increase competitive ability (3).
The Royal College of Surgeons have released a series of articles
investigating the effects performance anxiety can have on surgeons and
technical outcomes (2). However this is still a relatively new field and
more research is required to investigate its prevalence amongst surgeons
and whether intervention is required to optimize levels of PA amongst
surgeons.
There is very little data available in relation to the prevalence of
performance anxiety amongst otolaryngologists. Quantifying this effect
is important to raise awareness of the issues associated with PA and to
consider what training may be instigated so as to reduce its burden.
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of performance
anxiety amongst otolaryngologists and whether this is affected by grade
or sex of surgeon.