Objective: This study sought to identify and understand the barriers and supports associated with taking parental leave during obstetrics and gynaecology residency training in Canada, with the aim of helping to direct parental leave policies.
Methods: Participants were recruited by social media, program directors, and through the SOGC. The study included a short demographic questionnaire and a semistructured qualitative interview in person, by either telephone or videoconference. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and anonymized. Descriptive thematic analysis using the constant comparative method of grounded theory was performed on each transcript by two independent investigators. Codes were applied to each sentence of the transcript to identify the main idea in the text segment. Once coding was complete the investigators looked for relationships among codes to define themes. Data collection continued until a saturation of themes was reached.
Results: Fifteen participants from across Canada completed the study. The most significant challenges surrounding parental leave during residency included breastfeeding, difficulty on return to work (skill loss, time management, examination preparation), and work-life balance. The major supports noted included family, colleagues and mentors, adequate childcare, and program flexibility surrounding the leave. Participants' suggestions for alleviating the stressors included a gradual return to work and careful planning surrounding returning rotation.
Conclusion: Trainees identified formal program supports, non-surgical or core initial rotation back, and a gradual return to work as important areas to address in policies surrounding resident parental leave during Canadian obstetrics and gynaecology training.
Keywords: Parental leave; breastfeeding; education; obstetrics and gynaecology; policy; residency training.
Copyright © 2018 Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.