Creating Work and Learning Environments Free of Gender-Based Harassment in Pediatric Health Care

Although gender harassment has long been a concern of the American Academy of Pediatrics, recent attention has helped to highlight the pervasive scope of the issue and identify previously under recognized harassment concerns for people of gender and sexual minorities. More subtle forms of harassment such as microaggressions have been recognized to contribute to significant negative outcomes for those who experience them. Patients and their families have also been recognized as potential perpetrators of harassment. Work and learning environments should support a clear no-tolerance policy regarding sexual harassment by employees or educators, and perpetrators should be held accountable for their actions. Sexual harassment that occurs with patients or family members as perpetrators, although more complicated given the nature of the caregiving relationship, should be stopped. Work and learning environments free of gender-based harassment support pediatric physicians, enhance vitality, advance equity, and improve patient care.

Automated summary

Gender harassment has long been a concern for the American Academy of Pediatrics, but recent attention has shed light on its widespread nature and the previously under recognized harassment faced by gender and sexual minorities. Subtle forms of harassment, such as microaggressions, have been found to have significant negative effects on those who experience them. It is important to address sexual harassment by both employees or educators and patients or family members, as it can have a detrimental impact on work and learning environments and patient care.