This chapter examines the distinct challenges for healthcare professionals in perioperative and critical care medicine (CCM) settings, identifying factors that may increase the risk of harassment. Despite existing legal policies against discrimination and abuse, healthcare workers often endure harassment and violence, both from colleagues and patients, which further compromises their well-being. CCM physicians are especially vulnerable, as they frequently deal with high-stress situations and care for some of the most unstable patients. The work environment in critical care units is often impersonal, characterized by high noise levels, limited privacy, and little opportunity for relaxation. These factors can contribute to both burnout syndrome (BOS) and harassment, particularly among female physicians and minorities. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, with many healthcare professionals reporting increased stress, burnout, and feelings of isolation, bullying, and harassment. Pregnant and childless physicians may also face discrimination and harassment for different reasons, which will be addressed separately in this chapter. There is a scarcity of psychological support available to healthcare workers in these settings, highlighting the urgent need for increased access to mental health resources, protection policies, and a culture that promotes respect and well-being. The authors emphasize the importance of improving working conditions and implementing strategies to combat bullying, discrimination, and harassment, fostering a healthier, more supportive environment for all healthcare professionals.

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Preventing Harassment to Improve Team Well-Being and Patient Safety in Healthcare

  • Raffaele Aspide,
  • Ornella Piazza,
  • Marcela Vizcaychipi,
  • Alice Agostinelli,
  • Naeha Geogy,
  • Deeya Sharma

摘要

This chapter examines the distinct challenges for healthcare professionals in perioperative and critical care medicine (CCM) settings, identifying factors that may increase the risk of harassment. Despite existing legal policies against discrimination and abuse, healthcare workers often endure harassment and violence, both from colleagues and patients, which further compromises their well-being. CCM physicians are especially vulnerable, as they frequently deal with high-stress situations and care for some of the most unstable patients. The work environment in critical care units is often impersonal, characterized by high noise levels, limited privacy, and little opportunity for relaxation. These factors can contribute to both burnout syndrome (BOS) and harassment, particularly among female physicians and minorities. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, with many healthcare professionals reporting increased stress, burnout, and feelings of isolation, bullying, and harassment. Pregnant and childless physicians may also face discrimination and harassment for different reasons, which will be addressed separately in this chapter. There is a scarcity of psychological support available to healthcare workers in these settings, highlighting the urgent need for increased access to mental health resources, protection policies, and a culture that promotes respect and well-being. The authors emphasize the importance of improving working conditions and implementing strategies to combat bullying, discrimination, and harassment, fostering a healthier, more supportive environment for all healthcare professionals.