Microaggressions toward clinicians can impact their workplace experience and ability to provide top-quality patient care. In 2019, researchers from Stanford Medicine were interested in assessing the nature, frequency, and impact of gendered microaggressions from patients toward physicians in an academic hospital setting. Facente Consulting assisted the study’s lead researcher in analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data collected through a survey of residents, fellows, and attending physicians at the hospital. Our work included providing training on qualitative methods, supervision and coaching of the qualitative analysis team using Dedoose®, direct analysis, and assistance with manuscript preparation and revision.
This study found that female physicians experienced a significantly higher frequency of gendered microaggressions from patients compared to male physicians, including questioning of their role in the hospital, disrespect of title, and use of non-professional language. Experience of microaggressions was strongly associated with reduced job satisfaction and burnout, and women in the study were more likely than men to report changing their behavior or appearance at work in response to microaggressions from patients.
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