Navigating the Uncharted: A Qualitative Study Examining Medical Residents' Responses to Harassment in Simulation Training

• In Event: Confronting Hidden Barriers to Inclusivity and Safety in the Learning Environment

Abstract

Harassment negatively impacts Canadian medical trainees' well-being and learning. Traditional anti-harassment programs fail to prepare them to recognize and respond to harassment. This study explores Internal Medicine residents' responses to witnessing harassment in a simulation-based training, offering unique insights into real-time reactions. Twenty residents participated in a simulation where they performed a central line while witnessing a senior resident engaging in verbal harassment towards a medical student. Qualitative analysis of simulation and following debriefing recordings revealed varied responses to harassment, and disparities between observed and reported reactions. Hesitation stemmed from medical hierarchy or procedure prioritization, while interventions arose from wanting to protect the student or challenge unfair expectations. This study provides insights into residents' responses to harassment, uncovers underlying motivations.

Authors

• Myriam Johnson, McGill University

• Byunghoon Ahn, McGill University

• Negar Matin, McGill University

• Ning-Zi Sun, McGill University

• Taylor Godfrey, McGill University

• Cassandra Dutil, McGill University

• Yvecarla Jocelyn, McGill University

• Lena Hug, McGill University

• Jason Matthew Harley, McGill University