Global meta-analysis of physicians' experiences of workplace sexual harassment by patients

Abstract

The World Health Organization recognises that sexual harassment is an occupational hazard in medicine, but the prevalence of sexual harassment by patients is unknown. This global meta-analysis found that a pooled prevalence of 45.13% of 18 803 physicians from several specialities (e.g. internal medicine and surgery) have ever experienced it. Hospitals should implement protective measures such as panic alarms for night shifts and isolated wards.