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Results of a North American Satisfaction Survey

Freda G. DeKeyser, RN, PhD; Michael J. Sheridan, ScD; Arthur L. Trask, MD

Arch Surg. 1996;131(6):627-631.

Abstract
Objective
To examine job satisfaction among trauma surgeons.

Design
Cross-sectional mail survey.

Setting
Hospital-based trauma care.

Participants
Trauma surgeons in the United States and Canada.

Main Outcome Measures
A 20-item Likert satisfaction questionnaire, three open-ended questions, and demographic data.

Results
Survey respondents were slightly dissatisfied with providing trauma care. The greatest sources of dissatisfaction were extrinsic, such as poor hours, low pay, and interference with a daily schedule. The major sources of satisfaction were personal, such as the challenging and rewarding nature of operative trauma care. Satisfaction was not statistically related to most aspects of the work environment or personal characteristics.

Conclusions
Survey respondents strongly affirmed that operative trauma care was satisfying and that saving lives was challenging and rewarding. However, 40% of these respondents were seriously considering withdrawing from the trauma call roster.

(Arch Surg. 1996;131:627-631)

Author Affiliations
From the School of Nursing, Henrietta Szold Hadassah-Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel (Dr DeKeyser); and INOVA Institute of Research and Education (Dr Sheridan) and Fairfax Regional Trauma Center (Dr Trask), Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Va.