Prevalence and Types of Incivility in Occupational Therapy Fieldwork

Abstract

Civility between health professions students and fieldwork educators enhances positive learning outcomes, while incivility can lead to stress, loss of confidence, mistakes, disengagement, and decreased patient outcomes. A survey of recent graduates of occupational therapy programs (N = 247) explored the prevalence and types of incivility and bullying experienced during their Level II fieldwork experiences. Respondents reported that incivility in fieldwork education was widespread, with more severe experiences of bullying reported by 16% of respondents. Occupational therapy programs and fieldwork educators must take an active role in prevention and management of uncivil behaviors, and promote positive academic and patient care environments.

Workplace Bullying and Incivility in Physical Therapist Education Programs

“…11,23 Bullying and incivility are also problematic in clinical practice, creating negative experiences for both licensed clinicians and clinician learners. [11][12][13]15 e Joint Commission reported that these behaviors are reaching "epidemic levels." 2 Experiencing negative behaviors is associated with stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and self-doubt.…”

“…11-13,15 The Joint Commission reported that these behaviors are reaching “epidemic levels.” 2 Experiencing negative behaviors is associated with stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and self-doubt. 12,13 Luparell 24 notes that regular exposure to uncivil behavior in academic and clinical settings may teach students that it is an accepted component of professional culture. Recognizing the significant impact of workplace bullying on individuals, organizations, and patient safety, the Joint Commission describes civility as a “necessary precursor for a safety culture.” 2…”

“…Bullying and incivility are also problematic in clinical practice, creating negative experiences for both licensed clinicians and clinician learners. 11-13,15 The Joint Commission reported that these behaviors are reaching “epidemic levels.” 2 Experiencing negative behaviors is associated with stress, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and self-doubt. 12,13 Luparell 24 notes that regular exposure to uncivil behavior in academic and clinical settings may teach students that it is an accepted component of professional culture.…”

“…e prevalence of bullying and incivility has been examined in academia 6,9,10 as well as across clinical health care settings. [11][12][13] Across settings, women are more frequently targets of bullying and incivility than men, 1,14,15 and men are identified as perpetrators more frequently than women. 1,15 More novice members of a team are more likely to be targeted.…”

A nursing perspective on the antecedents and consequences of incivility in higher education: A scoping review

“…Incivility is a concerning occurrence affecting nursing education ( Al-Jubouri et al, 2020 ; Clark et al, 2013 ; Natarajan et al, 2017 ; Small et al, 2019 ), and other areas of higher education such as occupational therapy ( Bolding et al, 2020 ), dentistry ( Ballard et al, 2018 ), engineering, mathematics, sciences, and liberal arts ( Wagner et al, 2019 ). Understanding the nature of incivility across higher education, including its antecedents and consequences, is necessary for the creation and implementation of strategies to prevent, mitigate, and slow the incidence of uncivil behaviors ( Clark et al, 2009 ).…”