The ill surgeon: a review of common work-related health problems amongst UK surgeons

Abstract

Introduction: Health-care workers are subjected to various occupational hazards within the National Health Service (NHS). Surgeons are not excluded from this group due to the nature of work carried out on a daily basis. As a result, we set out to investigate the common work-related health issues a surgeon practising in the UK may encounter.

Method: A literature search conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE® and Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC) revealed 66 literature papers between the years 1990 and 2013. Thirty-seven were excluded from our review process for various reasons.

Results: Surgeons in the UK are likely to be susceptible to stress, sharp injuries, burnout and psychiatric morbidities, substance abuse and musculoskeletal pain. Noise-induced hearing loss has been reported amongst orthopaedic surgeons due to the use of electric and air-powered drills and saws. No reports of skin-related illness, respiratory illness, nosocomial infections or malignancies were found within the published UK literature of our targeted group although they have been noted in other specialties.

Conclusion: These occupational hazards pose a huge risk to the NHS and the personal well-being of its surgeons. As such, the importance of early awareness and education alongside prompt intervention is duly emphasized.