Workplace bullying in the NHS.
1Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham Education Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH. jacqueline.randle@nottingham.ac.uk
Journal of Perioperative Practice
|December 15, 2011
Summary
Workplace bullying affects healthcare workers and patients, impacting care. This article explores environmental factors and offers strategies to create a more positive healthcare workplace.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Occupational Health Psychology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Workplace bullying is a growing concern extending beyond schools into professional environments.
- Healthcare workers and patients are vulnerable to bullying, experiencing negative psychological effects like anxiety and powerlessness.
- The impact of workplace bullying on patient care is an under-researched area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the impact of workplace bullying on patient care.
- To examine the influence of the organizational environment on workplace bullying within healthcare.
- To propose strategies for mitigating bullying and fostering a positive work environment in healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on workplace bullying in healthcare settings.
- Analysis of environmental and organizational factors contributing to bullying.
- Synthesis of individual and organizational strategies for prevention and intervention.
Main Results:
- Workplace bullying negatively affects patient care quality and safety.
- Specific organizational characteristics within the National Health Service (NHS) can foster bullying and harassment.
- Individual and systemic strategies can reduce bullying and improve the healthcare work environment.
Conclusions:
- Addressing workplace bullying is crucial for enhancing patient care and well-being in healthcare.
- Organizational culture and environmental factors play a significant role in the prevalence of bullying.
- Proactive strategies at both individual and organizational levels are necessary to create safer and more positive healthcare workplaces.
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