Understanding surgeons' unique strengths and hidden vulnerabilities to optimize OR performance –

AP-HP x Omind – Surgical Stress Analysis Project

GOAL

As part of AP-HP's broader initiative to analyze working conditions in surgery, Omind focused on stress responses and adaptation mechanisms, measuring both physiological and psychological reactions to understand how surgical teams perform under pressure, what drives their resilience, and where hidden vulnerabilities may lie.

PROGRAM

Stress & Adaptation in Surgery: A Data-Driven Journey

7 surgeons/anesthesiologists vs. 151 non-medical executives – Real ORs & VR simulations

VR Simulation Deep Dive

Concentration → Cognitive/multitasking challenges → Relaxation.
Continuous tracking: Heart rate, HRV, electrodermal activity, respiration, and stress indices.

Real-World OR Observation

1 surgery per participant (avg. 6h36, up to 10h37).
Live measures: Cardio/respiration, movement, ambient audio, and pre/post questionnaires (NASA-TLX).

RESULTS

What the data revealed about surgical teams under pressure

→ Apparent Resilience & Operational Excellence

+27% proactive planning (p=0.037): Teams anticipate challenges before they arise.

+42% sense of efficacy (p=0.0003): High confidence in handling complex procedures.

+30% fulfillment levers (trend, p=0.07): Strong alignment with purpose-driven work.

→ Hidden Vulnerabilities

+59% self-judgment (trend, p=0.13): Harsh self-criticism masks exhaustion risks.

& Compassion gap: Higher empathy for others than for themselves.

= Short-term resilience can preserve performance,
while increasing long-term burnout risk

Understanding surgeons' unique strengths and hidden vulnerabilities to optimize OR performance –

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