CESSATION

Menopausal symptoms can have a significant impact on female health and wellbeing and are known to affect workplace attendance and performance. All women will experience the menopause, yet there is currently limited menopause support in the ambulance setting. A pilot survey carried out in one ambulance service has shown lack of menopause knowledge and awareness across the workforce.

The key aims of this study (CESSATION) are to identify current menopause guidance, policies and support offered by UK ambulance services; understand work and personal impacts of the menopause on female ambulance staff and their managers; and identify service developments that may best support female ambulance staff during this life phase.

This study consists of three phases: analysis of UK ambulance services Health, Wellbeing and Sickness policies and guidance that refer to menopause transition; a national online anonymous menopause survey for female ambulance staff (anticipated responses: 3000) and a single service online anonymous survey to explore manager experiences (anticipated responses: 125); and online or telephone interviews involving twenty female ambulance staff.

From the study findings, potential menopause service developments and interventions will be identified for female ambulance staff and service managers, and there will be improved menopause transition awareness across all UK ambulance services. Further research activities will be needed to explore the impact of any new interventions on staff health and wellbeing.

As it is expected this study will be of interest to a wide range of emergency care personnel, we will share the findings via relevant conferences, journal publications, and with key professional groups and organisations. It is anticipated there will be improved understanding of the impact of the female menopause transition in the ambulance setting.

Funding: CESSATION is being supported by the College of Paramedics and University of East Anglia Health and Social Care Partners.