Exploring Presenteeism in Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency
Mengyang Sun1, Karen George2, Jennifer M Keller3
1Flushing Hospital Medical Center, Flushing, New York.
Journal of Surgical Education
|September 19, 2025
Summary
Obstetrics and gynecology residents experience higher rates of presenteeism than program directors, often due to patient care responsibilities and colleague concerns. A supportive culture for attending absence improves program director job satisfaction, while presenteeism negatively impacts it.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Occupational Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Presenteeism, the practice of working while sick, is a growing concern in healthcare.
- Understanding presenteeism among Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) residents and program directors (PDs) is crucial for addressing workforce well-being and program effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and underlying reasons for presenteeism among OBGYN residents and PDs.
- To explore factors influencing presenteeism and its impact on PD job satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A national survey was conducted among OBGYN residents and PDs to collect data on presenteeism, sociodemographic factors, and program characteristics.
- Statistical analyses, including Z tests, bivariate analyses, Kappa coefficients, and multivariable linear regression, were employed to examine differences and relationships.
Main Results:
- Residents reported significantly higher rates of presenteeism (51.3%) compared to PDs (21.2%).
- Key reasons for resident presenteeism included concerns about colleagues covering shifts and patient care responsibilities.
- PD presenteeism negatively impacted job satisfaction, while a supportive culture for attending absence positively correlated with it.
Conclusions:
- Presenteeism is more prevalent among OBGYN residents than PDs.
- Institutional policies and supportive work environments are essential for mitigating presenteeism and enhancing job satisfaction in residency programs.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Methods of Documentation II: POMR
1.4K
The Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR) revolutionized medical record-keeping by introducing a systematic approach focusing on the patient's problems rather than merely listing symptoms. Dr. Lawrence Weed's introduction of this method in the 1960s marked a significant advancement in medical documentation. The POMR framework consists of four key components: the database, problem list, plan of care, and progress notes.
1.4K
01:22PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
1.6K
Donning PPE must be completed before contact with the patient. This process protects from infectious agents. The sequence and action included in each donning are critical, and the steps must be systematic to avoid exposure to pathogens. The institutional policy also needs to be followed while donning PPE. The pre-donning preparations are gathering equipment, inspecting the PPE equipment for tears, holes, or damage, removing jewelry, removing any garments below the elbows, and tying the hair...
1.6K
01:13Patient-centered Care
2.9K
Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
2.9K
01:08Prevalence and Incidence
1.5K
In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
1.5K
01:21Methods of Documentation III: PIE
2.0K
Problem-intervention-evaluation (PIE) is a systematic approach to documentation used in healthcare settings for clinical decision-making and patient care planning. It is a structured approach to organizing patient data based on problems, interventions, and evaluations. Here's a breakdown of its key features and considerations:
2.0K
01:30Methods of Documentation VII: EMR
1.4K
Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) primarily center around electronically documenting patients' health information within a single healthcare organization or practice. They contain essential clinical data related to a patient's medical history, diagnoses, medications, treatment plans, lab results, and other pertinent information relevant to the specific encounter or episode of care. EMRs are designed to streamline documentation and workflow processes within individual healthcare...
1.4K