Predicting risk of underconfidence following maternity leave

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine what factors affect paediatric trainee confidence on return to work after maternity leave.DesignInformation was collected anonymously via an online survey from trainees who had taken maternity leave.SettingThe survey was distributed centrally to each UK deanery.Main outcome measuresTrainee confidence was rated retrospectively using self-assessment.Results146 paediatric trainees from 12 out of 13 deaneries completed the survey. 96% of trainees experienced an initial lack of confidence, with 36% requiring 3 months or longer for their confidence to return. Prolonged lack of confidence was associated with longer time out of training, training stage, returning part-time, less frequent engagement with educational activities and lack of recognition by supervising consultant.ConclusionWe propose a scoring system using the above risk factors, the MoTHER score (Months out, Training stage, Hours worked on return, Educational activities, Recognition by consultant), which can be used to identify trainees who are at higher probability of experiencing reduced confidence on return to work.