Coalition for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) – a protocol for a global cross- sectional survey of health and gender equity in rheumatology
Khursheed T., Ovseiko P., Dyball S., Nakashima R., Gonzalez AMA., Babini A., Kalla AA., Hill C., Danda D., Dey D., Traboco L., Nikiphorou E., Harifi G., Badshah H., Hmamouchi I., Von Feldt JM., Farani JB., Andreoli L., Guimarães MP., Gutiérrez CET., Duftner C., Rodriguez DA., Ziadé N., Palominos PE., Haq SA., Bautista-Molano W., Tanaka Y., Gossec L., Agarwal V., Wright GC., Coates L., Gupta L.
Abstract Objectives The primary aim of the CHANGE survey is to determine the current state of gender equity within rheumatology, and secondly to review the physician perspective on bullying, harassment, and equipoise of opportunities within rheumatology. Methods The CHANGE e-survey is a cross-sectional self-reported questionnaire adapted from EULAR’s gender equity in academic rheumatology task force. The survey was launched in January 2023, is available in 6 languages and distributed widely via rheumatology organizations and social media. Eligible participants include rheumatologist physicians and rheumatology healthcare professionals. Survey responses will undergo descriptive analysis and inter-group comparison aiming to explore gender-based discrimination using logistic regression, with subgroup analyses for country/continent variations. Conclusion This e-survey represents a comprehensive global initiative led by an international consortium, aimed at exploring and investigating the gender-related disparities and obstacles encountered by rheumatologists and rheumatology health care professionals across diverse communities and healthcare environments. By pursuing this initiative, we aim to take the broader rheumatology community a step closer to understanding the underlying origins of inequities and their determinants. Such insights are pivotal in identifying viable interventions and strategies to foster gender equity within the field. Ultimately, our collective objective is to ensure equitable access to opportunities for every individual, irrespective of gender, thereby promoting inclusivity and fairness across the entire spectrum of professional practice and career development.