How many of us are open to being told that we are doing something wrong or that we can do it better? In surgery, where precision and expertise are crucial, coaching can significantly enhance performance, reduce stress, and decrease burnout. But why should anyone care about this?
One reason is the pressure surgeons face. Surgeons operate in high-pressure environments where mistakes can be costly. This stress can lead to burnout, which is becoming increasingly common. In a 2021 survey, 42 per cent of doctors and 35 per cent of general surgeons reported symptoms of burnout. A recent study found that 40 per cent of surgeons screened positively for burnout. This highlights the urgent need to support surgeons to ensure their well-being and the quality of patient care.
Coaching involves guidance and feedback from more experienced individuals to help improve skills and performance. In surgery, this can mean peer-to-peer mentoring, formal training programmes, or real-time feedback during operations. While many surgeons already have mentors, formal coaching programmes provide structured support.
Studies show that coaching improves surgeons' skills and reduces errors. For example, the Annals of Surgery reported that surgeons in the SCOPE programme improved their precision by 15 per cent and reduced operative time by 20 per cent. Another study in JAMA Surgery found that coaching helped surgeons adopt new techniques faster and reduce errors by 30 per cent, leading to a 25 per cent decrease in complications.
Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) also suggest that coaching can improve doctors' well-being and reduce burnout. Coached participants showed significant improvements in interpersonal engagement, professional fulfilment and work engagement.
Implementing coaching programmes can be challenging due to costs, scheduling conflicts and resistance to change. Institutions need to invest in training coaches, allocate time for sessions, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
Coaching helps build better skills. It helps surgeons improve their techniques, leading to safer surgeries and better patient outcomes. It helps boos confidence. Constructive feedback from experienced mentors boosts surgeons' confidence and reduces anxiety.
Coaching also leads to healthier surgeons. By reducing stress and burnout, coaching ensures surgeons can perform at their best, benefiting both them and their patients.
In medicine and academia, the focus often lies on individual achievements. This mindset can make it hard to be open to feedback, fearing that our weaknesses will be exposed. However, the reality is that our flaws are already being seen and judged as we train and work.
By being open to feedback and coaching, we can actively address these flaws and become better at what we do. This proactive approach not only enhances our skills but also improves patient outcomes and job satisfaction.
The benefits of coaching extend beyond surgery. First, there's personal growth. Just like surgeons, anyone can improve their skills with coaching. For example, learning a new language or improving public speaking can be easier with regular guidance.
Second is career success: Coaching develops leadership, communication, and decision-making skills, crucial for career advancement. Third, it leads to better relationships. Coaching teaches effective communication and conflict resolution, improving personal and professional relationships. Fourth, it improves well-being. Coaching helps manage stress and set achievable goals, leading to a more balanced life.
For surgeons and healthcare institutions, starting with coaching programmes involves: One, creating training programmes, that is, establishing structured coaching and mentoring within surgical departments.
Two, encouraging peer reviews: Regular feedback sessions where surgeons can discuss cases and techniques. Three, using simulation training: Hands-on practice with surgical simulators and virtual reality. And four, providing real-time feedback: Systems for real-time feedback during surgeries, such as video reviews with a coach.
Coaching can lead to significant improvements in performance, confidence, and well-being. By being open to feedback and committed to growth, we can all strive to be better at what we do, leading to a more fulfilling and successful life. Embracing this mindset in surgery, and beyond, can transform individual and collective achievements, leading to greater success and satisfaction.