Authors: Burns, Courtney J. et al.
Anesthesiology, September 18, 2025. DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005660
This qualitative study explores the emotional aftermath of distressing clinical events among anesthesiologists. Twenty faculty anesthesiologists across nine subspecialties participated in 30-minute interviews reflecting on emotionally challenging experiences that continued to affect them long-term. Using a trustworthiness framework emphasizing transferability, dependability, credibility, and confirmability, the researchers conducted thematic analysis to identify common risk factors and emotional responses.
The study identified three major domains contributing to lasting distress:
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Clinical factors—such as medical errors, first-time exposure to certain clinical scenarios, inadequate support, and unexpected patient outcomes.
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Contextual factors—including fear of legal or professional consequences, mistreatment by colleagues, personal stress, and unsupportive leadership.
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Patient-related factors—like emotional closeness, similarities between the patient and clinician’s loved ones, and cases involving young patients.
Participants reported feelings of sadness, guilt, shame, helplessness, and self-doubt, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as insomnia, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts. The findings underscore that nearly all anesthesiologists encounter emotionally significant cases that may lead to persistent distress, yet structured support systems remain limited.
What You Should Know:
This study highlights the profound psychological toll that emotionally charged clinical events can have on anesthesiologists. Institutions should recognize these stressors as occupational hazards and develop structured interventions—such as peer support programs, confidential counseling, and leadership engagement—to protect mental health and sustain career longevity.
References:
Hu YY et al. JAMA Surg. 2019;154(3):259–267.
West CP et al. Lancet. 2016;388(10057):2272–2281.
Shanafelt TD et al. Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(12):1600–1613.
Thank you to Anesthesiology for publishing this important exploration of emotional distress in anesthesiology practice.