Resilience and workplace stress in Australian and New Zealand obstetrics and gynaecology trainees: A cross-sectional survey

Background: Obstetrics and gynaecology training is a demanding vocation; there is a paucity of data on trainee resilience and well-being in this field. Aim: To investigate resilience, support and perceived levels of stress and burnout in Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) trainees. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of RANZCOG trainees in Australia and New Zealand (n = 638) was distributed electronically in May 2018. Results: Two-hundred and thirty-one (36%) valid responses were received. The mean resilience score was moderate (mean = 77; SD = 11). Resilience was significantly associated with general health (F = 7.5, P = 0.007), depression in the last two weeks (F = 4.4, P = 0.013) and seriously considering leaving the program at some point (F = 15.4, P < 0.001). Most participants (204; 88%) stated improvements could be made to the level of trainee support; with over half identifying the support they received from RANZCOG to be low or very low (132; 57%). One-third of participants (76; 33%) rated the support from their direct supervisor as low to very low. Over half of all participants identified high to very high responses to: burnout (127; 55%); personal stress (134; 58%); workplace stress (143; 62%) and depression (103; 45%). Conclusion: RANZCOG trainees exhibit moderate resilience levels, yet they report high levels of perceived stress, depression and burnout and low-level support from direct supervisors. This may highlight the need for enhanced support and working conditions to allow trainees to remain resilient and thrive in their careers.