One in four doctors has recently experienced bullying at work, and many have poor mental health and are considering quitting medicine as a result, a new study shows.
A survey of almost 750 doctors from a cross section of specialities found that 25% had experienced persistent bullying in the last 12 months that undermined their professional self confidence or self esteem.
Rates of bullying were consistent across age groups and specialities and also similar between locally trained and overseas trained doctors, according to the report published in the Australian Health Review.
The most common sources of bullying were senior doctors (44%), and managers or administrators (27%), but many doctors also named government agencies and specialist colleges as sources of bullying.
The victims of bullying had poorer mental health, more stress and had taken more sick leave than non-bullied doctors, and they also reported being less satisfied with their work and likely to either reduce their number of hours of work or even cease patient contact as a result of bullying.
One in three doctors subject to bullying had made no formal or informal complaint about the behaviour, usually because they felt the matter was not important enough or they had dealt with it themselves. Of those who did make a complaint, only 24% were satisfied with the outcome.
The study authors, from the University of Queensland Discipline of General Practice, say their findings show that bullying continues to be a problem in the Australian medical workforce “that requires further investigation.”
“Workplace bullying is not unique to the medical workforce, however its negative impact on the quality and safety of patient care magnifies its harmful consequences in this environment,” they say.
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