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. 2020 Dec 15;28(24):e1097-e1104.
doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-19-00822.

Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying in Orthopaedics: A Work Environment and Culture Survey

Julie Balch Samora  1 , Ann Van Heest, Kristy Weber, William Ross, Tamara Huff, Cordelia Carter
Affiliations

Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying in Orthopaedics: A Work Environment and Culture Survey

Julie Balch Samora et al. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. .

Abstract

Introduction: The presence of discrimination, bullying, sexual harassment, and harassment (DBSH) in the healthcare workplace negatively affects the health and well-being of providers and is associated with poor mental health, low self-esteem, high levels of absenteeism, and low levels of productivity.

Methods: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) developed and distributed a survey to a subset of AAOS members to assess the climate of workplace safety and overall workplace culture. Women and underrepresented minority (URM) AAOS members and an equal number of randomly selected non-URM men were invited to participate in the survey.

Results: Nine hundred twenty-seven of 5,638 (16.4%) members responded to the survey. Sixty-six percent of respondents reported experiencing DBSH behavior with specific exposures to DBSH of 79%, 55%, 47%, and 40%, respectively. Women (81%) were more likely than men (35%) to have experienced these behaviors. Fifty-eight percent of respondents reported that their workplaces were equipped to deal effectively with DBSH behaviors.

Discussion: DBSH behaviors occur in the orthopaedic workplace. More attention to these issues is necessary to ensure that all orthopaedic surgeons in training and in practice have a safe work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and health-promoting.

Level of evidence: N/A.

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