Optimist Prime- Emergency Medicine Residents are an Optimistic Group

Authors:  Nicole Battaglioli, MD (1), Sarah Mott, MD (2), Tim P. Moran, PhD (1), Simiao Li-Sauerwine, MD, MS (3) and Matthew Melamed, MD (4)

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Abstract

Introduction Few studies have been conducted on the level of optimism in emergency medicine residents and how it may be linked to resident burnout. This is the first national-level assessment of these personality factors.

Methods:  This was a prospective survey leveraging data obtained through the 2017 National Emergency Medicine Resident Wellness Survey, which included the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R). The Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) is a 10-item tool that measures levels of optimism.

Results:  We found that the majority of our resident respondents scored in the moderate category of the LOT-R. 12.4% fell into the more optimistic category. Additionally, we found that the LOT-R score was not a significant predictor of resident burnout.

Conclusions:  The results indicate that emergency medicine residents are generally optimistic, but levels of optimism are unlikely to affect resident burnout and emotional distress.

Affiliation:

1. Emory University Department of Emergency Medicine

2. Emergency Care Consultants

3. The Ohio State University Department of Emergency Medicine

4. New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine