A multi-institutional study of patient-derived gender-based discrimination experienced by resident physicians.

BACKGROUND: This study characterizes prevalence, frequency, and forms of patient-derived gender-based discrimination (GBD) experienced by resident physicians, as well as their experiences witnessing and reporting patient-derived GBD.

METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to residents from 12 programs at three academic institutions.

RESULTS: Response rate was 47.9% (309/645) with 55.0% of respondents identifying as women. Women were more likely than men to experience patient-derived GBD during residency (100% vs 68.8%, p < 0.001), including inappropriate physical contact, receiving less trust from patients, and being mistaken for a nurse (p < 0.001). While 85.9% of residents personally experienced and 95.0% of residents witnessed patient-derived GBD, only 3.4% of residents formally reported patient-derived GBD. Women were more likely to report negative personal and professional consequences of patient-derived GBD.

CONCLUSIONS: Patient-derived GBD is pervasive and disproportionately affects women residents. Current reporting mechanisms are not adequately capturing nor addressing patient-derived GBD.