Abstract
IntroductionThe role of gender in interprofessional interactions is poorly understood. This mixed-methods study explored perceptions of gender bias in interactions between emergency medicine (EM) residents and nurses.MethodsWe analyzed qualitative interviews and focus groups with residents and nurses from two hospitals for dominant themes. An electronic survey, developed through an inductive-deductive approach informed by qualitative data, was administered to EM residents and nurses. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics and between-group comparisons.ResultsSix nurses and 14 residents participated in interviews and focus groups. Key qualitative themes included gender differences in interprofessional communication, specific examples of, and responses to, gender bias. Female nurses perceived female residents as more approachable and collaborative than male residents, while female residents perceived nurses’ questions as doubting their clinical judgment. A total of 134 individuals (32%) completed the survey. Females more frequently perceived interprofessional gender bias (mean 30.9; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 25.6, 36.2; vs 17.6 [95% CI, 10.3, 24.9). Residents reported witnessing interprofessional gender bias more frequently than nurses (58.7 (95% CI, 48.6, 68.7 vs 23.9 (95% CI, 19.4, 28.4). Residents reported that gender bias affected job satisfaction (P = 0.002), patient care (P = 0.001), wellness (P = 0.003), burnout (P = 0.002), and self-doubt (P = 0.017) more frequently than nurses.ConclusionPerceived interprofessional gender bias negatively impacts personal wellbeing and workplace satisfaction, particularly among female residents. Key institutional stakeholders including residency, nursing, and hospital leadership should invest the resources necessary to develop and integrate evidence-based strategies to improve interprofessional relationships that will ultimately enhance residency training, work climate, and patient care.
Highlights
The role of gender in interprofessional interactions is poorly understood
Females more frequently perceived interprofessional gender bias
Residents reported that gender bias affected job satisfaction (P = 0.002), patient care (P = 0.001), wellness (P = 0.003), burnout (P = 0.002), and self-doubt (P = 0.017) more frequently than nurses
Summary
The role of gender in interprofessional interactions is poorly understood. This mixedmethods study explored perceptions of gender bias in interactions between emergency medicine (EM) residents and nurses. Role of Gender in Nurse-Resident Interactions perceptions of power dynamics, professional hierarchies, and spheres of practice.[1,2,3,4] The quality of nurse-physician interactions affects provider wellness in the workplace.[5] Studies demonstrate that physicians’ and nurses’ perspectives differ with regard to both the quality of their interactions and the degree of interprofessional collaboration and respect.[4,5,6,7,8] Further-more, evidence suggests that among medical students and resident physicians the perceived importance of collaborative interprofessional care may decrease over time.[9] Interactions between female resident physicians and female nurses may be challenging, as the intersection of gender and professional identities can lead to dysfunctional communication patterns.[10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
