Factors underpinning an improved menopausal experience in the workplace for doctors: a UK-based qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Menopause Studies
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Many National Health Service (NHS) doctors lack comfort discussing menopause symptoms with managers and struggle to adapt work for menopausal needs.
• An improved menopausal experience (IME) at work is linked to higher job satisfaction, economic participation, and reduced absenteeism.
• Existing research overlooks the specific experiences of menopausal doctors and the perspectives of their non-menopausal colleagues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors contributing to an improved menopausal experience (IME) for doctors in the UK.
• To explore the perspectives of both menopausal and non-menopausal doctors regarding workplace menopause support.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study employing semistructured interviews.
• Thematic analysis was used to analyze data from 21 menopausal and 20 non-menopausal doctors (including men) across UK general practices and hospitals.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: menopausal knowledge/awareness, openness to discussion, organizational culture, and supported personal autonomy.
• Crucial factors include participants' and superiors' knowledge of menopause, and the ability to discuss it openly.
• Novel themes identified include the 'superhero mentality,' lack of organizational support, and limited open discussion within the healthcare context.

Conclusions:

• Factors influencing IME for doctors are similar to those in other sectors.
• Implementing an IME can significantly benefit doctors within the NHS.
• NHS leaders should utilize existing training resources to support and retain menopausal doctors.