Evaluating Occupational Stress in Surgeons and Musicians: A Multi-modal Pilot Study Using Wearable EEG, Biomarker Analysis and Validated Questionnaires

Primary Objectives • To assess the change in occupational stress among surgeons and musicians by measuring physiological and psychological stress markers.

Endpoints:

• Changes in salivary cortisol levels (before and after surgeries for surgeons and live public performances for musicians).
• Changes in State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Short (STAI-S) scores (administered pre- and post-surgery/performance).

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES AND ENDPOINTS

• Assessing and comparing anxiety and burnout, based on the MBI, STAI-T, M-PAS, and SCAT, in surgeons and musicians

Endpoints:

• Baseline levels of anxiety and burnout measured using the MBI, M-PAS, STAI-T, and SCAT.
• Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment from the MBI in both groups.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 years and older
• Professional musicians (i.e., those with academic or orchestral appointments) or MD Anderson Neurosurgeons
• For Musicians only: You will have a musical performance within three months of study enrollment.

For Neurosurgeons only: You will perform a surgical procedure within three months of study enrollment.

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals who are unable to provide informed consent
• Individuals diagnosed with severe cognitive impairments, severe psychiatric disorders, or hearing or visual impairments that could affect participation
• Individuals previously enrolled in the study
• Non-English-speaking musicians and/or surgeons