Is there a crisis of bullying in the NHS?

Abstract

The United Kingdom has not legislated for workplace bullying and this has led to the conflation of a number of terms when describing poor behaviour. Bullying, harassment, and abuse are used interchangeably. These are three distinct behaviours and if one is to fully understand the phenomenon of bullying in the NHS a more granular approach is required. Many instances of reported bullying are in fact harassment or affronts to dignity, respect and incivility, but they are not bullying. That is not to excuse such behaviour. All are unacceptable, but if one is to deal with bullying effectively, there must be a clear definition of what constitutes bullying and a recognition of the severe implications for the victim. To conflate terms and behaviours as is done, is to do a major disservice to the victims of bullying, the organizations of the NHS and ultimately to the patients served by the NHS.