Purpose: To assess Obstetrics and Gynecology(OBGYN) trainees’
perception of departmental-cultural-climate(DCC) regarding sexual
harassment(SH).
Background: Positive DCC results in better psychological health
and workplace environment. Climates perceived to be permissive of SH by the
employees has lower overall work satisfaction.
Methods: Using REDCap data collection tool, we conducted an
anonymous survey of OBGYN trainees in ACGME-accredited residency/fellowship programs
in the U.S. The survey included demographics; the validated Sexual Experience
Questionnaire(SEQ) short form; and assessment of DCC via questions regarding
institutional reporting systems and trainees’ perceptions of how complaints
would be handled. Descriptive statistics were utilized.
Results: The survey was distributed to 1,473 residents/fellows
in the U.S. with 26.8%(395/1,473) response rate. The prevalence of SH was
69.1%(253/366). 90.3%(331/366) of trainees felt safe in their institution, while
only 3.0%(11/366) felt unsafe. 72.7%(8/11) of trainees who felt unsafe had
experienced SH. 88.5%(337/381) believed their SH report would be taken
seriously. 75.1%(286/381) believed privacy would be maintained. 80.3%(305/380)
thought their department would support them, and 76.7%(289/377) that the report
would be handled fairly. 15.6%(59/379) thought they would be labeled as a
troublemaker, and 10%(38/379) thought they would be punished. Only
3.3%(4/121) made an official report. 67.4%(149/221) did not tell anyone; and
39.4%(95/241) did not know of a reporting system. No action was taken for
47.5%(29/61) of the reports; the perpetrator was spoken to about their
behavior[14.8%(9/61)]; concerns were taken seriously[8.2%(5/61)]; and, concerns
were found to be unsubstantiated[1.6%(1/61)].
Discussions: OBGYN trainees are often reluctant to report SH, and
OBGYN departments may to need improvement in DCC based on our results.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2020, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Professionalism, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, GME,
Kimia Menhaji,
MD; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai;
Woojin Chong,
MD; Stephanie Pan, MS; Anne Hardart, MD
