The gap between attitudes and processes related to ‘family-friendly’ practices in anaesthesia training in New Zealand: A survey of anaesthesia supervisors of training and departmental directors

Abstract

Gender inequity persists within the anaesthetic workforce, despite approaching numerical parity in Australia and New Zealand. There is evidence, from anaesthesia and the wider health workforce, that domestic gender norms regarding parental responsibilities contribute to this. The creation of ‘family-friendly’ workplaces may be useful in driving change, a concept reflected in the gender equity action plan developed by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. This study aimed to explore the extent to which a family-friendly culture exists within anaesthesia training in New Zealand, from the perspective of leaders in anaesthesia departments. An electronic survey composed of quantitative and qualitative questions was emailed to all supervisors of training, rotational supervisors and departmental directors at Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists accredited training hospitals in New Zealand. Twenty-eight of the 71 eligible participants responded (response rate 39%). The majority (61%) agreed with the statement ‘our department has a “family friendly” approach to anaesthesia trainees’; however, there was a discrepancy between views about how departments should be and how they actually are. Several barriers contributing to this discrepancy were identified, including workforce logistics, governance, departmental structures and attitudes. Uncertainty in responses regarding aspects of working hours, parental leave and the use of domestic sick leave reflect gaps in understanding, with scope for further enquiry and education. To redress gender bias seriously through the development of family-friendly policies and practices requires supportive governance and logistics, along with some cultural change.

Authorship by gender in anesthesiology journals: a retrospective cross-sectional study for Japan

“…Second, there may be some barriers ("glass ceiling") against reaching leadership positions [31,32]. Numerous reports have indicated that women are more likely to face difficulties when climbing the career ladder [33][34][35][36][37]. Additionally, women are relatively less willing to become leaders [38].…”

Low Prevalence of Designated Lactation Spaces at Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgery Centers in Iowa: An Educational Tool for Graduates’ Job Selection

“…In New Zealand, many anesthesia training hospitals lack sufficient lactation spaces. 14 At a university (not in Iowa), half of 223 surveyed female physicians reported "lack of appropriate place to pump breastmilk" as a barrier to breastfeeding. 2 At a third university, qualitative study of female physicians found that proximity of lactation space to operating rooms was a barrier to breastfeeding.…”

Welfare practices for anaesthesiology trainees in Europe

“…Choosing a career in medicine also influences the child-rearing decisions of female physicians 6 . Potential barriers to career progression at the child-rearing age include gender discrimination after giving birth, prejudicial treatment because of breastfeeding, lack of extended maternity and paternity leave and stigmatisation of part-time training 7–10 . In a US study on parenthood-related factors, 1 in 10 women anaesthesiologists were found to counsel female trainees against furthering their careers in anaesthesiology because of obstacles related to child-rearing 8 .…”

“…6 Potential barriers to career progression at the child-rearing age include gender discrimination after giving birth, prejudicial treatment because of breastfeeding, lack of extended maternity and paternity leave and stigmatisation of part-time training. [7][8][9][10] In a US study on parenthood-related factors, 1 in 10 women anaesthesiologists were found to counsel female trainees against furthering their careers in anaesthesiology because of obstacles related to child-rearing. 8 Two recent surveys point to the same trend in Europe, with female anaesthesiologists being less likely to have children than their male counterparts.…”