News and briefs: More than 15% of surgeons admit to dependency issues

An American College of Surgeons study found that 15.4% of surgeons (or 1,112) have a problem with alcohol, which is higher than the national average for the general population (9%). Surgeons who reported dependency issues also reported higher incidents of burnout, depression and medical errors. According to the survey, 78% of surgeons who reported a medical error in the previous three months also reported issues with alcohol.

"We want people to be aware of this because we want to be able to honestly look at ourselves and say ‘here is the issue, we need to support people,’" said Krista L. Kaups, a co-author of the survey and chair of the American College of Surgeons Governors Committee on Physician Competency and Health in an article with HealthLeaders Media.

The study recommends healthcare organizations and professional associations develop programs for early warning and intervention. Kaups says it can be difficult for surgeons to admit they have problem because they view having a drink as taking the edge off after a stressful shift. The survey authors hope that the survey helps to remove some of the stigma associated with alcohol dependency so surgeons will seek help.