Sharma Sowmya, Mathias Holly, Jones Emma, Heisler Courtney, Rohatinsky Noelle, Novak Kerri, Leung Yvette, Fowler Sharyle, Kaczur Melaine, Targownik Laura, Jones Jennifer L
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore 21231, USA.
School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2R3, Canada.
J Can Assoc Gastroenterol. 2023 Sep 4;6(5):155-161. doi: 10.1093/jcag/gwad022. eCollection 2023 Oct.
Gender inequalities persist in medicine, particularly in some speciality fields where fewer women are employed. Although previous research has suggested potential interventions to broadly address gender inequality in medicine, no research has focused on interventions in the field of gastroenterology. The purpose of this research was to engage women in the field of gastroenterology in Canada, to identify interventions with potential to be effective in addressing gender inequality.
A World Café was hosted in 2019 to discuss gender inequality and interventions in gastroenterology. Twelve women employed in the field of gastroenterology (i.e. physicians, nurses, research staff, and trainees) were purposively recruited and participated in the event. The discussion rounds were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematic analyses was conducted using Braun and Clarke's principles.
Three key themes identifying potential interventions to address gender inequality in gastroenterology were generated: (1) Education; (2) Addressing institutional structures and polices; and 3) Role modelling and mentorship. Participants indicated that interventions should target various stakeholders, including both women and men in gastroenterology, young girls, patients, and administrators.
Many of the interventions identified by participants correspond with existing research on interventions in general medicine, suggesting that institutional changes can be made for maximum effectiveness. Some novel interventions were also identified, including publicizing instances of gender parity and supporting interventions across the educational and professional lifecourse. Moving forward, institutions must assess their readiness for change and evaluate existing policies, programs, and practices for areas of improvement.
医学领域的性别不平等现象依然存在，尤其是在一些女性从业人员较少的专科领域。尽管先前的研究提出了一些可能广泛解决医学领域性别不平等问题的干预措施，但尚无研究聚焦于胃肠病学领域的干预措施。本研究的目的是让加拿大胃肠病学领域的女性参与进来，以确定有可能有效解决性别不平等问题的干预措施。
2019年举办了一场世界咖啡屋活动，以讨论胃肠病学领域的性别不平等和干预措施。有目的地招募了12名受雇于胃肠病学领域的女性（即医生、护士、研究人员和实习生）参与该活动。讨论环节进行了录音、转录，并运用布劳恩和克拉克的原则进行了主题分析。
产生了三个确定胃肠病学领域性别不平等问题潜在干预措施的关键主题：（1）教育；（2）解决机构结构和政策问题；（3）榜样作用和指导。参与者表示，干预措施应针对各类利益相关者，包括胃肠病学领域的女性和男性、年轻女孩、患者及管理人员。
参与者确定的许多干预措施与普通医学干预措施的现有研究相符，这表明可以进行机构变革以实现最大效果。还确定了一些新颖的干预措施，包括宣传性别平等的事例以及支持贯穿教育和职业生涯的干预措施。展望未来，各机构必须评估自身对变革的准备情况，并评估现有政策、项目和做法，以找出需要改进的方面。
