Sexual Harassment in Academic Anesthesiology: A Survey of Prevalence, Sources, Impact, and Recommendations

A report by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) showed that academic anesthesiology has the highest prevalence of sexual harassment among specialties for both men and women. We aimed to explore the prevalence, sources, and impact of sexual harassment on anesthesiologists in academic centers in the United States and Canada. We also sought recommendations for its mitigation.

An anonymous online survey instrument was designed based on a previously published report, yielding 39 questions, including demographics and 4 open-ended questions. The survey was sent via email to Association of University Anesthesiologists (AUA) members, who were encouraged to share across academic anesthesiology departments in the United States and Canada.

A total of 626 responses were received; after exclusion of incomplete and nonfaculty responses, 484 complete survey responses were analyzed. 52.9% of respondents identified as men and 45.9% as women; 3 respondents (0.6%) identified as nonbinary, and 3 respondents (0.6%) preferred not to answer. 43.6% of respondents perceived there is sexual harassment in academic anesthesiology. Significantly more women than men reported presence of sexual harassment in academic medicine (65.3% vs 38.3%, P < .001), in academic anesthesiology (59.5% vs 30.1%, P < .001), and in their place of work (37.8% vs 18.3%, P < .001). 14.5% of men and 43.2% of women had experienced sexual harassment at least once in the past 12 months ( P < .001). 43.7% of women reported ever experiencing unwanted physical contact in the workplace compared to 16.8% of men; 74.3% of women reported ever experiencing verbal or nonverbal conduct in the workplace related to gender that caused embarrassment, distress, or offense compared to 24.6% of men ( P < .001). 8.2% of men reported feeling their clinical ability doubted, compared to 87.8% of women ( P < .001). Experiences of sexual harassment were most consistent with verbal and nonverbal behaviors that convey hostility, objectification, or exclusion of members of one gender. Colleagues from anesthesiology were most likely to be reported as the source of sexual harassment (44.6% of unwanted physical contact, 59% of verbal or nonverbal conduct). The impact was described along 4 themes: emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and professional. Participants made recommendations for eliminating sexual harassment by raising awareness, providing education, establishing reporting, offering support, and ensuring accountability.

This survey confirms the high prevalence of sexual harassment in academic anesthesiology. The most common sources are anesthesiology colleagues. The recommendations for leaders and institutions include creating a professional environment free from harassment with support for targets and accountability for instigators.