Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Consultants as victims of bullying and undermining: A survey of Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists consultant experiences (2016)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Shabazz T., Parry-Smith W., *Oates S., Henderson S., Mountfield J.

Citation:
BMJ Open, June 2016, vol./is. 6/6(no pagination)

Abstract:
Objective: To explore incidents of bullying and undermining among obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) consultants in the UK, to add another dimension to previous research and assist in providing a more holistic understanding of the problem in medicine. Design: Questionnaire survey. Setting: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). Participants: O&G consultant members/fellows of the RCOG working in the UK. Main outcome measures: Measures included a typology of 4 bullying and undermining consequences from major to coping. Results: There was a 28% (664) response rate of whom 44% (229) responded that they had been persistently bullied or undermined. Victims responded that bullying and undermining is carried out by those senior or at least close in the hierarchy. Of the 278 consultants who answered the question on 'frequency of occurrence', 50% stated that bullying and undermining occurs on half, or more, of all encounters with perpetrators and two-thirds reported that it had lasted more than 3 years. The reported impact on professional and personal life spans a wide spectrum from suicidal ideation, depression and sleep disturbance, and a loss of confidence. Over half reported problems that could compromise patient care. When victims were asked if the problem was being addressed, 73% of those that responded stated that it was not. Conclusions: Significant numbers of consultants in O&G in the UK are victims of bullying and undermining behaviour that puts their own health and patient care at risk. New interventions to tackle the problem, rather than its consequences, are required urgently, together with greater commitment to supporting such interventions.

Suicidal ideation during pregnancy in British Pakistani women (2016)

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Type of publication:
Conference abstract

Author(s):
*Sharif A., Gire N., Tomenson B., Chaudhry N., Husain M.

Citation:
European Psychiatry, March 2016, vol./is. 33/(S272-S273)

Abstract:
Introduction Suicide is a major public health problem and one of the common causes of maternal mortality. Rates of suicide and self-harm are higher in British South Asian women compared to the majority white population. Suicidal Ideation (SI) is a significant risk factor associated with self-harm and suicide. Objective To explore the prevalence and risk factors of SI in British Pakistani women. Aim To identify risk factors associated with SI, in order to inform future preventive strategies. Method This is a secondary analysis of a larger study which looked at depression during pregnancy and infant outcomes. Par ticipants who consented (women aged 18 or over, in their third pregnancy trimester) were initially assessed for maternal depression using the Edinburgh Post-Natal Depression Scale (EPDS), with one of the questions on the EPDS being on SI. Participants who met the study criteria, were further assessed regarding sociodemographic factors, perceived social support, social adversity and isolation. Results The rate of SI in this group of women was 8.1%, with baseline interview results suggesting that women with SI being significantly more likely to be aged 20 or less, have experience of severe life events and being less likely to have social support. Conclusion This area of research is key to understanding SI in British Pakistani women, to better develop culturally sensitive interventions for use within this group.

A dedicated undergraduate gynaecology teaching clinic: The Keele experience (2016)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Katali H.M., *Parry-Smith W.R., Eliot R.L., Omahony F.

Citation:
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, February 2016, vol./is. 36/2(227-229)

Abstract:
Much discussion in the literature centres on how best to teach medical students the intricacies of gynaecological assessment and the subsequent formulation of a management plan. At Keele University skills are initially developed in a simulated setting and then transferred to the workplace where students continue to develop their skills. A dedicated undergraduate gynaecology teaching clinic has been developed and comprises of 2-3 students and a tutor. All 38 students rotating through the department between January and June 2013 were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire to evaluate this clinic and 36 (95%) of them responded. Respondents felt significantly more comfortable taking a gynaecology history, ensuring privacy during examination and formulating a management plan post-clinic (all p < 0.001), with female students feeling significantly more comfortable than their male counterparts (p = 0.04). The use of this clinic shows great promise to help students learn an unfamiliar and challenging skill.

Revision guide part 1 MRCOG (2016)

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Type of publication:
Book chapter

Author(s):
*Andrew Sizer, Mary Ann Lumsden

Citation:
In: Fiander, A. and Thilaganathan, B. (2016) MRCOG part one: your essential revision guide: the official companion to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists revision course. 2nd edn. London: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

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