Belinda Balhatchet
Heike Schutze¹ and Nicole Williams2,3
1 University of New South Wales
2 University of Adelaide
3 Women & Children's Hospital Adelaide

Background
Surgical trainees are at increased risk of burnout and poor wellbeing compared to the general population. Whilst many wellbeing programs have been reported, few have been evaluated from the perspective of those delivering and receiving surgical training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of trainee wellbeing programs in Australian hospitals from the perspective of supervisors and trainees. 

Summary of work
A mixed-methods online survey was distributed to surgical trainees and supervisors across Australia. Participants were asked to identify trainee wellbeing programs at their hospital and provide details of the program, along with their views on their effectiveness in promoting wellbeing. Participants were also asked to identify one change that they would implement to improve trainee wellbeing, and any barriers to implementation. Demographic frequencies were calculated and qualitative data were analysed using an inductive-deductive process using the Job Demands-Resources Model as a scaffold. 

Results
Sixty responses were received. Thirteen (22%) were aware of one or more trainee wellbeing programs at their hospital. Nine of those did not feel that the program was effective and three were unsure of its effectiveness. Key workplace demands identified for targeting with future interventions included: (i) excessive working hours and workload; (ii) lack of support networks; (iii) demanding physical work environment; and (iv) demanding psychological work environment. 

Conclusion
Few surgical supervisors and trainees report being aware of wellbeing programs in their hospitals, and programs that do exist are generally viewed as ineffective. Future interventions should target the most pervasive demands of surgical training including excessive working hours and workload, lack of support networks, and work environments that are physically and psychologically demanding. Collaborative development and active promotion of wellbeing resources with long-term support and funding may improve the effectiveness of interventions for surgical trainee wellbeing. 

References (maximum three) 

Bakker, A. B., & Demerouti, E. (2007). The Job Demands-Resources model: State of the art. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 22(3), 309–328. https://doi.org/10.1108/02683940710733115