BMC Medical Education has just published an interesting study that examined the incidence of fainting among medical students observing surgery. Apparently, more than 1 in 10 medical students almost or completely pass out in the operating theatre.
The authors of this study surveyed 630 clinical medical students in their fourth or fifth (final) year of study at the University of Nottingham medical school in northern England. A total of 77 (12%) students reported at least one episode of near or actual operating-theatre-related loss of consciousness, also known as syncope.
The authors looked pretty closely at factors affecting whether a student was likely to faint in the theatre. Those who did lose consciousness were on average 23 years old (range 20–45 years), were more likely to be an undergraduate student than a graduate student (60 undergrads versus 17 graduates) and were significantly more likely to be female than male (68 females versus 9 males). Gynaecological operations were most likely to cause syncope among the fainters (29% of cases), followed by colorectal surgery (16%) and vascular surgery (16%).
The majority of students who passed out put their episode(s) down to the hot temperature of the theatre or the length of time spent standing. None of the fainters identified needle or blood phobias as a cause of their fainting. The authors do note, however, that 16% of episodes occurred during laparoscopic, or keyhole, surgery. Given that keyhole surgery doesn’t involve much gore and blood, this finding suggests that the operation itself remains a strong contributory factor to fainting in the operating theatre.
Interestingly, more than 50% of the students who reported surgery-related fainting were still keen to pursue a career in surgery, although 16% said that their fainting episode(s) put them off that particular career path.
As well as affecting the clinical education and career choices of medical students, such operating-theatre-related syncope also has implications for patients. In 9% of cases, the operation was affected by the medical student passing out, the most common issue being delays to surgery while the a new assisting student was brought in.
Student BMJ has some practical tips for squeamish medical students. Jessica Whitworth experienced episodes of syncope well into her penultimate year of medical school and eventually got some help from her university’s psychologist, who suggested distraction, dissociation and rationalisation techniques to overcome her problem.
I also have an illustrious history of passing out in medical circumstances. As well as several dramatic fainting episodes during work experience placements at local hospitals, I also spent a considerable proportion of my undergraduate human dissection classes with my head between my legs. In fact, a particularly gruesome lecture even made me pass out once. I find it quite reassuring to know that seasoned medical students also have this problem!
(h/t to Dr RW who pointed out this research on his blog Notes from Dr R.W.)
http://www.helenjaques.co.uk/blog/2009/medical-students-fainting-theatre/
5 comments:
You talk about nearly all college students that handed away place their own episode right down to the actual warm heat from the theater or even the amount of time invested position. Not one from the fainter recognized hook or even bloodstream fears like a reason for their own fainting. You may check it at http://www.cspersonalstatements.com/surgical-residency-personal-statement-writing-tips/.
Just about all university students which passed aside location their very own occurrence as a result of the particular http://www.gastroenterologyfellowship.com/faq-on-gastroenterology-residency-and-fellowship-programs/ comfortable warmth in the theater as well as the quantity of period spent placement.
Anyone mention virtually all pupils that will presented with out position their unique event into your hot high temperature through the cinema or maybe the number of occasion expended situation. It's unlikely that any through the fainter regarded lift or maybe blood vessels anxieties as being https://residencypersonalstatements.net/best-sample-letter-of-recommendation-for-internal-medicine-residency/ cause of their unique fainting.
students of the medical field are not worried about the finances. It has been completed by the company and check it here for the approval of the notifications. The struggle is done for the methods and all manners in the field of the actual movement and ideal paths for the humans.
the worries the man and lady have been ensured for the humans. It has been marked for the formation of the goodness and visits of the http://www.road2residency.com/what-is-the-best-residency-personal-statement-word-count/ for all ideals. The theme is highlighted for the treatment of the patient for all ambits.
Post a Comment