The effect of obstetric resident gender on forceps delivery rate.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to examine the effect of obstetric resident physician gender on the forceps delivery rate. Analysis was based on >350,000 deliveries performed by >800 residents in obstetrics and gynecology throughout the United States from 1994 to 1998. A chi(2) analysis was performed on resident statistics from residency review committee report forms. The percentage of total deliveries performed with forceps during residency was significantly higher among male residents (P <. 0001), as was the percentage of vaginal deliveries performed with forceps during residency (P <.0001). The percentage of overall operative vaginal deliveries (vacuum plus forceps) was significantly higher for male residents (P <.0001); however, the percentage of vacuum deliveries did not vary according to gender of the resident when considered independently. These results strongly suggest that resident gender affects performance of forceps delivery.