The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Fiberoptic Intubation Performance: A Randomized Controlled Simulation Study

Gender bias and stereotypes have been recognized as pervasive factors influencing various aspects of society, including professional settings. Within the realm of medical practice, understanding the potential impacts of such biases on performance is of paramount importance. Anesthesiology, a field that demands technical precision, teamwork, and rapid decision-making, is not immune to the potential effects of gender stereotypes on performance outcomes. This study aims to explore the potential influence of gender stereotype manipulation and stereotype threat on the fiber-optic intubation (FOE) performance of female anesthesiology residents.

Stereotype threat refers to the apprehension individuals experience when their actions or abilities are evaluated within the context of negative stereotypes associated with their social group. Such threat has been shown to adversely affect cognitive and motor performance in various domains. In medical education, where skills are honed through training, understanding the role of stereotype threat is crucial to fostering equitable learning environments and ensuring patient safety.