While sexual harassment in the workplace is a well-known problem in many sectors, it is particularly acute in the medical field. Doctors are calling for stronger protection measures, relate The Guardian.
Dr Caroline Kamau-Mitchell of Birkbeck, University of London, has just published an analysis of twenty-two studies conducted in seven countries (UK, Canada, Australia, USA, Israel, Germany and Malaysia) on the sexual harassment of doctors by patients. The results are damning, and the figures vary considerably by gender: 52% of female doctors have been confronted with such behaviour, compared to 34% of male doctors (45% overall).
Insidious and multifaceted harassment
Doctors report a long list of inappropriate behaviors that they, and especially women, have already experienced at work from their patients. Among them: unwanted advances, sexual jokes or even insistent requests for dates. These behaviors sometimes go as far as inappropriate touching or explicit comments during consultations. Some doctors have even had to deal with patients showing their private parts or displaying erections during medical examinations.
The Royal College of Physicians, which represents British doctors, called the study’s findings “deeply alarming.” “These environments, often dark and under-equipped with surveillance devices, increase the risks of attacks,” As Hilary Williams, RCP vice-chair for Wales, points out, many older hospitals lack adequate security systems, leaving doctors vulnerable to such inappropriate behaviour.
One of the major issues raised by the study is the lack of reporting channels for doctors who are victims of harassment. “As with many forms of harassment, reporting channels are insufficient,” says Caroline Kamau-Mitchell. She points out that while patients have clear mechanisms to report incidents of harassment, doctors often find themselves without support when they want to report inappropriate behavior from their patients.
Among the solutions being considered: installing panic alarms in medical offices and departments. These devices would allow doctors to quickly report any threatening situation and receive emergency help by pressing a button.
While the study’s findings are extremely distressing, they are unfortunately no surprise to most people working in the National Health Service. The constant pressure, lack of resources and lack of protection from abuse have led some doctors to seek professional balance elsewhere, worsening the staffing crisis in the medical sector. Caroline Kamau Mitchell calls for an immediate and concrete response.
Source: www.slate.fr
