| Title: |
Maternity Leave in Residency: A Multicenter Study of Determinants and Wellness Outcomes |
| Authors: |
Stack, Shobha W.; Jagsi, Reshma; Biermann, J. Sybil; Lundberg, Gina P.; Law, Karen L.; Milne, Caroline K.; Williams, Sigrid G.; Burton, Tracy C.; Larison, Cindy L.; Best, Jennifer A. |
| Source: |
Academic Medicine ; volume 94, issue 11, page 1738-1745 ; ISSN 1040-2446 |
| Publisher Information: |
Oxford University Press (OUP) |
| Publication Year: |
2019 |
| Description: |
Purpose To characterize determinants of resident maternity leave and the effect of length of leave on maternal well-being. Method In 2017, the authors sent a voluntary, anonymous survey to female residents at 78 programs, in 25 unique specialties, at 6 institutions. Survey items included personal, partner, and child demographics, and logistics of leave, including whether leave was paid or vacation or sick leave was used. Outcomes were maternity leave length; duration of breastfeeding; burnout and postpartum depression screens; perceptions of support; and satisfaction with length of leave, breastfeeding, and childbearing during residency. Results Fifty-two percent (804/1,537) of residents responded. Among 16% (126) of respondents who were mothers, 50% (63) had their first child during residency. Seventy-seven maternity leaves were reported (range, 2–40 weeks), with most taking 6 weeks (32% of leaves; 25) and including vacation (81%; 62) or sick leave (64%; 49). Length of leave was associated with institution, use of sick leave or vacation, and amount of paid leave. The most frequently self-reported determinant of leave was the desire not to extend residency training (27%; 59). Training was not extended for 53% (41) of mothers; 9% (7) were unsure. Longer breastfeeding duration and perceptions of logistical support from program administration were associated with longer maternity leaves. Burnout affected approximately 50% (38) of mothers regardless of leave length. Conclusions This study illustrates variability in administration of resident maternity leaves. Targets for intervention include policy clarification, improving program support, and consideration of parent wellness upon return to work. |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| Language: |
English |
| DOI: |
10.1097/acm.0000000000002780 |
| DOI: |
10.1097/ACM.0000000000002780 |
| Availability: |
https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0000000000002780; https://journals.lww.com/10.1097/ACM.0000000000002780 |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.B0AE47F7 |
| Database: |
BASE |