Sexism and Sexual Harassment: Implications in Medicine

Sexism and sexual harassment: definitions, Sexual safety and professionalism in the NHS an introduction for foundation doctors Relevance to doctors The current data Introduction Dasha Ibrahim, UKFPO Fellow

Overview 01 02Sexism and sexual 03 The current data 04Relevance to doctors OVERVIEW Introduction harassment: definitions,

Definitions SEXISM Type of oppression arising from a person s beliefs and behaviours, societal attitudes, cultures and institutional practises that lead to unequal treatment of people based on their sex SEXUAL HARASSMENT (SUB-CATEGORY OF HARASSMENT) Unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical behaviour or a sexual nature

Majority vs Minority

POST GRADUATE MEDICINE

BMA, 2021 Just under half of the people who had witnessed or experienced sexism did not report it Almost saw gender as a barrier to career progression SEXISM IN POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE SEXISM IN POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE More than 9 in 10 women have experienced sexism at work 61% women felt they were discouraged from certain specialities because of their gender Every 7 in 10 women felt their clinical knowledge doubted and undervalued

Male colleagues speaking over me, my reproductive choice being discussed and questioned at work; being told Not to worry, I will get there when stating I do not want any children. Being called sweetheart, darling, honey, babe, by patients and colleagues; being labelled nurse daily despite telling patients I m their doctor. Woman, junior doctor BMA, 2021

UNDERGRADUATE MEDICINE

Hierarchy Not knowing reporting procedures Fear of impact on studies Lack of faith from past experiences Lacking evidence Time and energy consuming BARRIERS Education on sexism, responding, reporting Improving reporting outcomes Providing safe space for discussion RECOMMENDATIONS Sexual harassment Teaching experiences Microaggressions Stereotyping Unsolicited advice Appearance and outfit remarks Emotional Psychological Physical Education and learning NEGATIVE IMPACT NEGATIVE IMPACT EXPERIENCES UNDERGRADUATE MEDICINE EXPERIENCES BARRIERS RECOMMENDATIONS IBRAHIM AND RILEY, 2023

I have had my bum pinched once after taking someone's bloods (Medical School Management) said the goal of medical school is to provide a safe environment for men to make these mistakes so that when they qualify as a doctor they don't go on to make those mistakes and lose their registration and harm patients I was then missing the teachings so I was missing out on what I could have been taught"

RELEVANCE TO YOU

You must not act in a sexual way towards colleagues with the effect or purpose of causing offence, embarrassment, humiliation or distress. What we mean by acting in a sexual way can include but isn t limited to verbal or written comments, displaying or sharing images, as well as unwelcome physical contact. You must not act in a sexual way towards patients or use your professional position to pursue a sexual or improper emotional relationship with a patient or someone close to them. You must tackle discrimination where it arises and encourage your colleagues to do the same. You must treat your colleagues fairly and with respect. You must not bully or harass them or unfairly discriminate against them. You should challenge the behaviour of colleagues who do not meet this standard. New 2024 GMC Guidance

Commit to taking and enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to any unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours within the workplace, and to ten core principles and actions to help achieve this. NHS Sexual Safety in Healthcare Organisational Charter

6: Sharing the vision: work confidently within and, where appropriate, guide the multiprofessional team to deliver a consistently high standard of patient care based on sound ethical principles. 11: Ethics and law: demonstrate professional practice in line with the curriculum, GMC and other statutory requirements through development of a professional portfolio FOUNDATION DOCTORS

Thank You DASHA IBRAHIM UKFPO FELLOW