Perception of decisions made by senior doctors- is there a gender bias? [FUNDER: University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire].

PROJECT FUNDER: University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire.
Though there have been substantial changes for women in medicine, the profession is still not immune to the effects of gender discrimination. There are some specialities like transplantation, where the field is clearly male dominated. This may be due to many reasons namely family responsibilities, stereotyping, gender discrimination, sexual harassment, lack of mentorship and exclusion from peer groups, or unconscious bias. Even when women do rise to the top, their position may not be secure. They may fall from a position of leadership because of a single mistake, as shown in studies in other profession. There are no studies in transplantation looking at this ‘glass cliff’ effect. This study aims to see whether there is any difference in people’s perceptions regarding wrong decisions, depending on whether the protagonist is male or female.The study will gather information using a web based questionnaire which incorporates five selected clinical scenarios, with either a male or a female protagonist. In total 100-125 participants will be recruited, including specialists in transplantation, clinical scientists in transplantation, paediatricians, medical students and renal patients. Differences in perception between these groups will also be determined.The study has been endorsed by The Transplantation Society and is being rolled out as an international study. It has been publicised by British Transplantation Society, the Royal College of Paediatrics and National Kidney Federation.