Two-thirds of obstetricians and gynaecologists have encountered a traumatic work-related event during their career,[1] which can trigger post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and if unaddressed can decline into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In recognition of this significant issue for health professionals, and the critical link to protecting and enhancing the care of women and families, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) commissioned a Good Practice Paper on ‘Prevention and Treatment of Work-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in the Maternity and Gynaecology Workforce’, published today.
Health professions affected by PTSS may experience flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, feeling ‘on edge’ and under threat, as well as anger or guilt. The impacts can also lead to exhaustion and lower job satisfaction, with an alarming 12% of obstetrics and gynaecology doctors leaving the profession in the UK within three years of completing training, the highest level of any medical specialty.[2]
Mrs Geeta Kumar, RCOG Vice President for Clinical Quality, said: “The significant impact of traumatic events experienced by women and families continues to be a critical focus for the College. It is essential that the vulnerability of staff working in maternity and gynaecology services is also recognised.
“The RCOG commissioned this Good Practice Paper to provide a comprehensive framework to prevent, and provide early intervention for, work-related PTSS. This will not only benefit health care professionals in our specialty but, crucially, enhance the safety and experience of women too.”
Researchers and clinicians from the University of Liverpool, University of Nottingham and the University of the West of England led the development of this important new publication.
Co-author of the paper, Professor Pauline Slade, University of Liverpool, said: “It is clear that the reported levels of PTSD are highly detrimental for individual health professionals, for patient care, and more broadly at specialty and organisational level. We urge NHS trusts, health boards and policy makers to consider this Good Practice Paper and embed it within staff welfare practices. We must change the culture of healthcare settings in order to see positive change.”
- To read Good Practice Paper No. 19 ‘Prevention and Treatment of Work-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in the Maternity and Gynaecology Workforce’ click here.
- The paper, ‘Prevention and Treatment of Work-Related Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in the Maternity and Gynaecology Workforce’ was authored by Dr Laura Goodfellow, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in the Centre for Women's Health Research, Professor Pauline Slade, Clinical Psychology and Consultant Clinical Psychologist, and Andrew Weeks, Professor of International Maternal Health from the University of Liverpool, Professor Helen Spiby, Professor of Midwifery at the University of Nottingham and Dr Kayleigh Sheen, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of West of England who developed the guidelines on behalf of the RCOG.
[1] Slade P, Balling K, Sheen K, Goodfellow L, Rymer J, Spiby H, et al. Work-related post-traumatic stress symptoms in obstetricians and gynaecologists: findings from INDIGO, a mixed-methods study with a cross-sectional survey and in-depth interviews. BJOG. 2020;127(5):600–8.
[2] RCOG. RCOG Workforce Report 2022. [https://www.rcog.org.uk/media/wuobyggr/rcog-workforce-report-2022.pdf]. Accessed 03 July 2024.