Effect of the “residents’ law” on occupational well-being in surgery: results of a national mixed methods study in colombia

Abstract

Introduction. The effect of policies to improve residents’ well-being, in terms of professional burnout and work commitment is controversial, and its result after the implementation of the “residents’ law” (1917/2018) in Colombia is unknown. This study explores the effect of this law on Colombian surgical residents. Methods. Explanatory sequential mixed methods study. Initially, all surgical residents in the country were invited to self-complete the UWES-17 and MBI-HSS questionnaires to evaluate work commitment (vigor, dedication, and absorption) and professional burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment) before (2019) and after (2022) the implementation of the law. Different hypotheses were tested using structural equation models. The results were explored with surgeons through focus groups. Qualitative information was analyzed manually and by artificial intelligence, and reported into main themes. Results. 400 residents participated in the study. Burnout rates were 24.8% before and 15.8% after (p=0.032). The structural equations analysis confirmed that emotional exhaustion over professional burnout was lower in 2022 (p=0.022). No significant changes in work commitment were identified. The main explanation was attributed to the economic benefits of the law. Conclusion. The burnout rate in Colombian surgical residents was significantly reduced after the implementation of the “residents’ law”. These findings have implications for practice and improving the quality of education. © 2024, Asociacion Colombiana de Cirugia. All rights reserved.