Mental health and work-related wellbeing of U.S. obstetrician-gynecologists in a shifting policy climate
Project Number1R01OH012664-01
Contact PI/Project LeaderBUCHBINDER, MARA HELENE Other PIs
Awardee OrganizationUNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
Description
Abstract Text
PROJECT ABSTRACT
U.S. physicians are at risk for poor mental health and work-related wellbeing. Obstetrician-
gynecologists (OB-GYNs) are at particularly high risk due to recent changes and uncertainty in
state-level reproductive health policies. Associated changes in the work environment may lead
to burnout, poor mental health, and job turnover, which could have major health consequences
for OB-GYNs and their patients. Our scientific premise is that the key to improving OB-
GYNs' mental health and work-related wellbeing in a shifting policy climate is to focus on
the role of organizational factors in buffering the impact of policy stressors. Accordingly,
there is an urgent need to (1) better understand the relationships between state policy
environment, work-related stressors, and mental health and work-related wellbeing, and (2)
identify organizational-level factors that support OB-GYNs' health and wellbeing. Leveraging our
interdisciplinary team's expertise in workplace health and wellbeing, experience with survey
methods and policy analysis, and our preliminary data, we propose a convergent mixed-
methods study of OB-GYNs from across the U.S. We will administer a quantitative survey to
800-900 OB-GYNs to (1) test whether OB-GYNs' mental health, work-related wellbeing, and
turnover intention vary by policy context, and (2) evaluate the nature of the relationship between
policy context, work experiences, and mental health and work-related wellbeing (Aim 1). We will
conduct qualitative semi-structured interviews with 80 OB-GYNs from a range of state policy
climates. We will then use mixed methods to synthesize survey and interview findings about the
contributions of specific organizational policies and practices to OB-GYN mental health and
work-related wellbeing, within and across policy contexts (Aim 2). Finally, we will draw on Aim 1-
2 findings and solicit input from key informant interviews (n=10) to develop and disseminate
organizational-level resources to support OB-GYNs' mental health and work-related wellbeing
(Aim 3, r2p). We will engage an interdisciplinary expert advisory board to inform the design,
analysis, and dissemination. Our long-term goal is to protect and promote the work-related
wellbeing of the healthcare workforce. By generating novel data from a national sample of
OB-GYNs, this study will inform evidence-based recommendations and interventions to support
OB-GYN mental health and work-related wellbeing. Its impacts support NIOSH's Total Worker
Health® and Healthcare Worker Mental Health Initiatives, the NORA Healthcare and Social
Assistance sector, and NORA's cross-sector program in Healthy Work Design and Wellbeing.
Public Health Relevance Statement
PROJECT NARRATIVE
Due to recent changes in state reproductive health policy landscapes, U.S. obstetrician-
gynecologists may experience policy-related stressors and threats to their mental health and
wellbeing. This study will produce novel evidence about the effects of state reproductive health
policies on obstetrician-gynecologists’ work experiences, mental health, and work-related
wellbeing, a nd will identify organizational-level policies and practices that may buffer the effects
of policy stressors. By generating actionable recommendations to improve work-related
stressors for obstetrician-gynecologists, the study will lead to improvements in the mental health
and work-related wellbeing of this essential workforce.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
CFDA Code
262
DUNS Number
608195277
UEI
D3LHU66KBLD5
Project Start Date
01-September-2024
Project End Date
31-August-2027
Budget Start Date
01-September-2024
Budget End Date
31-August-2025
Project Funding Information for 2024
Total Funding
$493,163
Direct Costs
Indirect Costs
Year
Funding IC
FY Total Cost by IC
2024
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
$493,163
Year
Funding IC
FY Total Cost by IC
Sub Projects
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