Language
English
Publication Date
3-1-2025
Journal
Journal of Ethics
DOI
10.1001/amajethics.2025.178
PMID
40029838
Abstract
Regret in surgical practice is typically construed as resulting from the commission or the omission of a specific action at a specific decision point, which leads to a deleterious outcome. This article suggests a need to expand this conception of surgical regret to better account for surgeons' regret experiences arising from factors beyond their control. The commentary accompanying the case investigates these external sources of regret, such as resource limitations or professional interpersonal dynamics that prevent a desired outcome from being realized. It also discusses the normative value of addressing surgeons' experiences of regret, especially as a catalyst to facilitate positive systemic changes to ameliorate surgeons' kindred experiences of moral distress, burnout, and compassion fatigue.
Keywords
Humans, Emotions, Surgeons, Burnout, Professional, Compassion Fatigue, Empathy, Morals
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Lam, Ryan X; Thapar, Ruhi; Silberfein, Eric J; et al., "Which Systemic Responses Should We Evolve to Help Surgeons Navigate Their Regret Experiences?" (2025). Faculty and Staff Publications. 5541.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/5541
Included in
Medical Sciences Commons, Musculoskeletal Diseases Commons, Orthopedics Commons, Surgery Commons