Search

Departments should have a clear policy for responding to challenging or negative behaviours,, including sexual misconduct in accordance with the organisation’s Sexual Violence/Sexual Safety Policy.⁵⁹ This may include a step wise remediation and intervention approach depending on the frequency and severity of the negative behaviour.^60,61

Departments should encourage conversations about negative behaviours and the delivery of effective feedback to colleagues.⁶²

Training should be provided to identify negative behaviours and assess the impact this has on patient care and other colleagues, and to identify ways of managing colleagues whose behaviour gives cause for concern.^63,64,65  This should include active bystander, unconscious bias and awareness-raising training for all members of the healthcare team, with specific reference to dealing with incidents of sexual misconduct.⁶⁰

Departments should review factors which may contribute to certain behaviours and should promote factors which encourage positive behaviours and address factors that may result in negative behaviours.

If it occurs, review of negative behaviour should be undertaken promptly and by a neutral colleague following local workforce policies.

Corrective action should be fair, proportionate, prompt and should involve remediation. Action should exhibit compassion and should acknowledge individual, personal circumstances. Continuing support may be helpful, for example mentorship.

An induction should be provided for all staff whether permanent or locum/agency staff starting in the department.^66,67

Inductions should be conducted during normal working hours at times convenient to all concerned.

The induction should be documented. It should ensure competency in the use of equipment and should act as an opportunity to identify those who require additional support in certain skills or areas of practice.

Induction for a short-term locum doctor should include as a minimum familiarisation with the layout of the hospital and the location of emergency equipment and drugs, access to guidelines and protocols, information on how to summon support/assistance, and assurance that the locum is capable of using the equipment and IT systems in that hospital.