Women in anaesthesia: a scoping review

Abstract

Despite an increase in the proportion of women anaesthesiologists over time, women remain under-represented in academic and leadership positions, honour awards, and academic promotion. Current literature has identified several reasons for the observed gender disparity in anaesthesiology leadership and faculty positions, including unsupportive work environments, lack of mentorship, personal choices, childcare responsibilities, and active discrimination against women. A scoping review design was selected to examine the nature and extent of available research. Our review provides an overview of the literature that explores gender issues in anaesthesiology, identifies gaps in the literature, and appraises effective strategies to improve gender equity in anaesthesiology. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE up to July 2019, and included 30 studies for analysis. Most reports used retrospective or survey methodologies. The review shows that women anaesthesiologists face gender biases in the work environment, are under-represented in various positions of leadership or influence, and as authors. Workelife demands may impose a challenge. Motivation and interest in career advancement of women anaesthesiologists have not been well studied. Several strategies have been proposed, ranging from an individual to administrative level, which may help anaesthesiologists achieve equal representation of women in the field.

Striding towards the pinnacles of professional growth, scientific epitome, and leadership: India's women anaesthesiologists

“…concluded that women are under-represented in academic positions, in journal authorship, as editorial board members, and as award recipients. [ 3 ]…”

Current status and solutions for gender equity in anaesthesia research

“…Diverse healthcare teams result in better clinical care, higher patient satisfaction and improved compliance with recommendations [1]. Although women are entering anaesthesia at higher rates than ever before, they still remain persistently under‐represented within academic anaesthesia, including as authors, editors, invited speakers, grant recipients and leaders [2]. In this review, we will examine the current participation of women in various aspects of research in anaesthesia as well as identify potential systemic barriers that impede advancement.…”

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

“…5 Other examples of gender inequity exist in academic practice, with women publishing less in anaesthesia journals 6 and having less representation in anaesthetic leadership positions. 7 It could be argued that the anaesthesia workplace merely reflects factors in wider society that contribute to maintaining gender inequity, including cultures and structures that reinforce gender norms related to domestic responsibilities and caregiving. 8 The present norms support a social system that is historically built around patriarchal domination, problematising childbearing and preventing gender equity, [9][10][11][12][13][14] and until we address the 'caregiver problem' 11 we cannot meaningfully challenge gender inequity in the medical workforce.…”