The purpose of this study was to evaluate role conflict between professionaland familial responsibilities among obstetric health care providers during anatural disaster between those required to stay in the hospital versus thosewho were at home during a catastrophic weather event.

A survey was used of obstetric attending and resident physicians in theBaylor College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecologyfollowing Hurricane Harvey on August 26, 2017.

Ninety one of 103 physicians (88%) completed the survey. Surveyresponses were compared between physicians who worked in the hospital (n= 47) versus those who were at home (n = 44) during the stormand its immediate aftermath. Physicians in the hospital and at home agreed(47% and 48%, respectively, P = 0.94)that professional duties conflicted with family obligations and felt torn(49% and 55%, respectively, P = 0.48)regarding family obligations. A majority of homebound health care providersdisagreed with the statement that professional duties override familyresponsibilities, whereas less than half of in-hospital providers felt thesame (68% at-home versus 47% of the hospital-team,P = 0.10).

As organizations prepare for possible catastrophic situations, institutionsmust realize that obstetric health care providers will experience roleconflict between professional and family responsibilities. (DisasterMed Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:33–37)