Musculoskeletal health of surgeons
We undertook a survey amongst surgeons across the globe in order to measure the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal symptoms within members of the profession
Surgeons working within the NHS reported anecdotal evidence of significant musculoskeletal problems among colleagues and trainees. In response, the CMHW developed a survey to be disseminated widely through surgical networks to take a snapshot of the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal symptoms.
What did this study involve?
An electronic survey was developed by surgeons and CMHW researchers. The survey was disseminated through surgeons’ professional networks to as wide an audience as possible (including colleagues in overseas locations).
What has the study found?
In total we received 242 responses to the survey.
70% of respondents were male, and responses were received from both junior and more senior colleagues.
Response rates were highest amongst urologists, orthopaedic surgeons and “other” surgical practitioners.
Low back pain and other musculoskeletal pains were prevalent amongst the responses received, as were symptoms of burnout.
Abstracts from this research are currently being submitted to surgical and occupational health conferences, and analysis of the responses is underway.
Study team
Chief investigator
Professor Karen Walker-Bone (Monash University)
Co-investigators
Mr Dan Wood (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
Mr Bob Slight (Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
Dr Lesley Kay (Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
Stefania D’Angelo (University of Southampton)
Georgia Ntani (University of Southampton)
Centre institutions
Research partners
Further information
For any queries related to this work, please contact kwb@mrc.soton.ac.uk