Abstracts
Abstract
Background: Despite known benefits of breastfeeding and challenges medical trainees face lactating at work, research specific to Canadian surgical trainees is lacking. Our objectives were to examine existing breastfeeding and lactation policies, query experiences and opinions of surgical trainees and program directors, and propose a comprehensive policy for programs nation-wide.
Methods: A multi-disciplinary team developed this two-part study. The scoping review used database and grey literature searches to find North American policies covering surgical residents. The survey study queried lactating Canadian surgical trainees and program directors about experiences and barriers, support provided, and interest in a breastfeeding and lactation policy.
Results: Ten policies were found. None comprehensively addressed lactation space and supplies, break times, supports, and resident responsibilities. Among ten PD survey respondents: 60% were female, 70% had lactating trainees during their tenure, 40% discussed lactation accommodations, and all were willing to instate a policy. Among 24 trainees: 45% met breastfeeding goals, 74% stopped breastfeeding prematurely due to work barriers, and 88% had little workplace support. Almost all trainees (96%) wanted a policy.
Conclusion: There is opportunity and appetite for a more comprehensive breastfeeding and lactation policy for Canadian surgical residents. Our policy highlights important areas where trainees can be better supported to meet breastfeeding goals.
Résumé
Contexte : Malgré les avantages bien établis de l'allaitement et les difficultés auxquelles les apprenants en médecine sont confrontés pour allaiter sur leur lieu de travail, il n'existe aucune recherche spécifique qui concerne les apprenants en chirurgie au Canada. Nos objectifs étaient d'examiner les politiques existantes en matière d'allaitement et de lactation, d'interroger les expériences et opinions des apprenants en chirurgie et des directeurs de programmes, et de proposer une politique globale à l'échelle nationale.
Méthodes : Une équipe multidisciplinaire a développé cette étude qui comporte deux parties. L'examen de la portée s’est réalisée à l’aide des bases de données et de la littérature grise pour identifier les politiques nord-américaines relatives aux résidents en chirurgie. L'étude par sondage a permis de recueillir les expériences des apprenants en chirurgie canadiens qui allaitent, ainsi que les avis des directeurs de programmes sur les obstacles rencontrés, le soutien fourni et l'intérêt pour une politique d'allaitement et de lactation.
Résultats : Dix politiques ont été identifiées. Aucune ne couvrait de manière exhaustive les aspects relatifs à l'espace et aux fournitures d'allaitement, aux temps de pause, aux soutiens, et aux responsabilités des résidents. Parmi les dix directeurs de programmes ayant répondu au sondage : 60 % étaient des femmes, 70 % avaient encadré des résidents allaitant, 40 % avaient abordé la question des aménagements pour l'allaitement, et tous étaient favorables à l'instauration d'une politique. Parmi les 24 résidents interrogés : 45 % ont atteint leurs objectifs d'allaitement, 74 % ont cessé d'allaiter prématurément en raison d'obstacles professionnels, et 88 % ont signalé un faible soutien sur leur lieu de travail. Presque tous les résidents (96 %) étaient favorables à l'élaboration d'une politique.
Conclusion : Il existe une opportunité et un besoin pour une politique plus complète en matière d'allaitement et de lactation pour les résidents en chirurgie au Canada. Notre politique met en lumière les domaines clés où les résidents pourraient être mieux soutenus pour atteindre leurs objectifs d'allaitement.
Appendices
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