Developmental challenges, stressors and coping strategies in medical residents: a qualitative analysis of support groups.
OBJECTIVE
Stress and burnout are endemic in postgraduate medical training, but little research is available to guide supportive interventions. The identification of the longitudinal emotional and developmental coping needs of internal medicine residents could assist in the better design and implementation of supportive interventions.


METHODS
In this retrospective, exploratory study, six internal medicine resident support groups (n = 62; residents in postgraduate years [PGY] 1-3) were followed for a period of 2 years. Qualitative data were extracted from monthly support group process notes to identify common themes, stressors, emotions, coping strategies and developmental challenges faced during training. Quantitative questionnaire data were collected on burnout, group attendance and resident satisfaction.


RESULTS
Using professional identity development models and classic stress and coping theory as a starting point, a derivation of grounded theory was used to identify common themes and emotions documented in support group process notes. The most common themes included understanding resident roles and responsibilities, developing an identity as a resident and doctor, building professional confidence, cognitive and behavioural responses to stress, and concerns about flaws in local and national health care training and delivery systems. Anxiety and guilt were the most commonly reported emotions, followed by positive emotions and anger. Burnout scores were highest for the second half of PGY1, but improved over subsequent training years. Support group attendance and satisfaction were both high. Residents overwhelmingly pointed to peer relationships as the most critical source of support throughout postgraduate training.


CONCLUSIONS
Developmentally informed programmatic adaptations could better support the emotional growth and personal and professional development of postgraduate medical trainees. Future directions should include a controlled trial of resident support groups, assessments of 'active ingredients' (i.e. to establish which supportive interventions are most effective), and evaluations of programmatic adaptations.
Satterfield
Jason M
JM
1Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA2School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
Becerra
Caroline
C
1Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA2School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000592:standards*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors