Obstetric Anaesthesia Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

More than 1 in 3 EMSA anaesthetic residents report personal experience of pregnancy loss, infertility or other personal issues which affected their work in obstetrics. Most did not feel well supported.

Background

• 25% of women in the UK experience miscarriage

• 1 in 7 couples experience difficulty conceiving

• These realities can present a significant psychological and emotional burden for anaesthetic residents when facing the complexities of labour suite at a time in their lives when many are also trying to start a family

Methods

• Residents in the East Midlands School of Anaesthesia (EMSA) were sent a survey by email

• Anonymous responses collected for one month between November and December 2024 and results analysed for themes

Results

•69 responses (62% female/38% male)

•More than 1 in 3 reported experiencing baby loss, infertility or other issues affecting their work in an obstetric environment

•Of note, both genders affected by these issues; 32% of female and 38% of male respondents

•Diverse experiences described (see Fig1) with miscarriage and infertility most common

•Of those with personal experience of difficulties, only 16.7% felt ‘well’ or ‘very well’ supported on returning to obstetric anaesthesia vs 30% ‘not so well’ or ‘poorly’ supported

•53% responded ‘N/A’ possibly indicating support was not sought

Discussion

•These issues are common and can have a profound impact

•Improving support for anaesthetists in training will improve not only their well-being but also the quality of patient care provided in these sensitive and high-stakes situations

•Recommendations:

•Single point of contact

•Proactive opening channels of communication

•Individualised support and flexibility

Obstetric Anaesthesia Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

Supporting anaesthetic residents in obstetrics: a survey on training experiences, personal challenges and wellbeing

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