Measuring Race Equality in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Workforce and Training: A Delphi Core Outcome Set Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To develop a core outcome set (COS) to standardise measurement and reporting of race equality within the obstetrics and gynaecology workforce and training. DESIGN: Multi-stakeholder Delphi survey. SETTING: Obstetrics and gynaecology care in secondary and tertiary hospitals in the UK. POPULATION: Clinicians, trainees, service managers, researchers, midwives, and service design representatives from healthcare organisations, professional bodies, and charities relevant to maternity services and medical education. METHODS: Relevant outcomes from the literature were identified and grouped thematically. We undertook a two-round Delphi survey, prioritising outcomes by scoring on a nine-point Likert scale (1 = limited importance, 9 = critical). Consensus was predefined as a median score ≥ 8 and IQR ≤ 2. The final core outcome set was finalised by consensus and consultation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A minimum set of core outcomes for assessing race equality within obstetrics and gynaecology workforce and training. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 45 stakeholders. Ninety-two outcomes were identified, condensed to 41 and grouped across 11 themes. Thirteen were chosen in the first round, five in the second, 10 additional were proposed, and after consensus, 18 were selected to be included as core outcomes. Fifteen participants attended the final consultation meeting. Outcome themes included workforce representation, pay, postgraduate training, disciplinary processes, career progression, and harassment and bullying. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first COS developed to measure race equality in the obstetrics and gynaecology workforce. Standardised reporting of these outcomes will enable benchmarking across organisations, inform targeted interventions, and support the development of a more equitable and inclusive workforce.
Institutions: St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Brunel University of London, University of Liverpool, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, University of Leicester, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, St George's, University of London, Croydon University Hospital, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Liverpool Women's Hospital, NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast
Language: English
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7125507112