Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident Comfort in Caring for Pregnant People with Physical Disabilities

Abstract Objective: Pregnant people with disabilities face higher complication rates, yet few guidelines exist on caring for this population. This study evaluates Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) resident comfort in caring for pregnant people with physical disabilities. Study Design: A 19-question e-survey was developed and piloted for content and face validation. Likert scale was used to assess comfort in caring for pregnant patients with physical disabilities. The e-survey was sent to US OBGYN residents via CREOG-coordinator listserv, a listserv to all U.S. OBGYN residency coordinators, in February 2024, with 3 reminder emails. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, variables with clinical and statistical significance were considered for adjustment in regression models. Results: Eighty-eight residents completed the survey. Mean age was 29 years; 88% identified as female. All ACOG regions were represented. Eight and 44% reported formal education on disability care in residency and medical school respectively. Seventy-three percent felt uncomfortable positioning disabled patients for a pelvic examination, 59% felt uncomfortable discussing sexual health practices, and 89% felt uncomfortable making recommendations regarding mode of delivery. Those without education in residency were 91% less likely to be comfortable making recommendations regarding mode of delivery(aRR:0.09,95%CI:0.01,0.59). Only 30% were comfortable discussing lactation/breastfeeding with patients with physical disabilities; residents without personal experience including caring for family members or friends or other caretaking experiences were 66% less likely to be comfortable(aRR:0.34,95%CI:0.12,0.99). 92.5% of residents wanted more education in this space. Of those 83%, 71%, and 82% desired didactics, patient panel, and simulations respectively. Conclusion: Among responding residents, comfort caring for pregnant people with physical disabilities is low. Additional training is necessary to adequately care for this population.

Publication History

Received: 14 February 2025

Accepted after revision: 10 April 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
16 April 2025