Keywords:
Management, Professional issues, Experimental, Audit and standards, Health policy and practice, Safety, Outcomes, Education and training, Workforce
Authors:
M. R. F. Jaring, P. McCoubrie; Bristol/UK
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-3219
Conclusion
27% of consultant radiologists reported being the victim of bullying or undermining,
a total similar to other specialties.
We found no demographic bias in those experiencing bullying.
It is concerning that many cases lasted over 5 years.
This suggests these behaviours have become intrenched.
Also worrying is the majority of bullies are senior radiologists.
58% of cases continued or recurred despite being reported.
This raises concerns about the ability of departments to manage undermining behaviour.
The reasons why the majority of perpetrators were male is unclear,
as this bias was not seen in similar surveys.
It may partly relate to more male consultants in the departments surveyed.
Although the majority of cases involved undermining,
there are some reports that could be considered bullying or even meet the legal definition of harassment.
The impact is severe.
The outcomes affected both workforce and productivity with a potential impact on patient safety and institutional cost.
Bullying is chronically underreported painting a worrying picture for the future,
particularly with so few being trained to manage bullying.
If team functioning is to be improved,
and undermining eradicated,
people need the resources to confront poor behaviour.
They need confidence that systems are in place to report it and,
if reported,
their concerns will be fairly addressed.