Many factors make an organization prone to sexual harassment: a hierarchical structure, a male-dominated environment, and a climate that tolerates transgressions — particularly when they are committed by those with power. Medicine has all three of these elements. And academic medicine, compared to other scientific fields, has the highest incidence of gender and sexual harassment. Thirty to seventy percent of female physicians and as many as half of female medical students report being sexually harassed.
Sexual Harassment Is Rampant in Health Care. Here’s How to Stop It.
Five steps health organizations can take.
November 01, 2018
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Summary.
Sexual harassment is rampant in healthcare and responses to it are few and weak. In general, healthcare institutions are ill-prepared to comprehend the problem, to understand the contributions of their organizational culture, and to respond to sexual misconduct with direct, sure action and sufficient resources. They must undertake an array of bold actions to eliminate harassment and create a safe environment. Among these are thoroughly and repeatedly measuring the nature, prevalence, and severity of harassment and discrimination; promoting a clear, comprehensive policy that conveys a firm commitment to safety, respect, inclusion and equality; and pairing policy with clear and consistent action. Victims will only come forward if they feel safe doing so and know their report will result in a rapid, thorough, and fair investigation, and that their harassers will be punished, no matter their rank or reputation. Perpetrators must not be allowed to go on “extended leave,” quietly retire, or accept reassignment at another healthcare system through an under-the-table arrangement: “cover your ass” practices that communicate tolerance of egregious behaviors do nothing to discourage further misbehavior.