Personality traits and decision-making styles among Swedish obstetricians and gynecologists managing obstetric emergencies

Abstract Background: The management of an obstetric emergency is a complex phenomenon during which the team’s resilience and success will also be dependent on the diversity of individuals and the variation of their responses. Such differences can be explained through personality traits. The objectives of this study are I) to compare the personality traits of obstetricians and gynecologists with those of the general population and II) to examine the relationship between obstetricians’ and gynecologists’ personality traits, cognitive ability, clinical experience, sex and three decision-making styles (Individual, Team and Flow) during obstetric emergencies. Methods: Obstetricians and gynecologists, members of the Swedish Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology (n = 472) responded to an online questionnaire that included a simplified version of the Five Factor Model questionnaire (IPIP-NEO-30), a spatial ability test (ICAR) and 15 general questions about decision-making during obstetric emergencies relating to three decision-making styles (Individual, Team and Flow). A control cohort (N = 1943) from the general Swedish population was used. The data was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. Results: Swedish obstetricians and gynecologists scored (P < 0.001) lower on neuroticism (d = – 1.08) and higher on extraversion (d = 0.80), agreeableness (d = 1.00) and conscientiousness (d = 0.95) compared to the general population. Both Individual and Team decision-making styles correlated with work experience (r = 0.30 / – 0.23), and neuroticism (r = – 0.28 / 0.15) while Flow correlated with openness (r = 0.11). Multiple linear regression showed personality traits, cognitive ability, clinical experience, sex, and age had a cumulative effect on decision-making (F (9,419) = 10.20, P < 0.001, R2 = 0.18). Conclusions: Swedish obstetricians and gynecologists have a specific personality profile. Personality traits affect decision-making during obstetric emergencies. The assessment of medical errors in obstetric emergencies and their prevention through individualized training should take account of these findings.