A Survey Exploring Gendered Racism Experienced by Junior Doctors Working in Psychiatry

Abstract

AimsTo measure rates of racism experienced and witnessed by Junior Doctors working at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.MethodsSurveys were sent out via e-mail and WhatsApp to all Junior Doctors from 22 November 2021 to 1 December 2021.Questions asked about personal experiences of racism, witnessing racism to/from patients and/or staff whilst working in Derbyshire, knowledge of how to report incidents and if routinely reported. Doctor race and gender recorded.Results88 Junior Doctors contacted. Response rate 55% (48 out of 88). 63% female, 35% male and 2% gender undisclosed. 37.5% White, 12.5% Black, 37.5% Asian, 6.3% Mixed-race, 4.2% Arab or other ethnic group and 2% Race undisclosed. 13% of doctors experienced racism from staff: 75% of the Black female population, 50% of the Black male population, 8% of the Asian female population and 17% of the Asian male population. 27% of doctors experienced racism from patients: 50% Black female population, 50% Black male population, 58% Asian female population, 16% Asian male population, 100% Mixed-race female population and 1 Race unspecified male. 13% of doctors witnessed racism from staff to other staff: 75% Black female population, 50% Black male population, 11% Asian female population and 16% Asian male population. 63% of doctors witnessed racism from patients towards staff: 75% Black female population, 50% Black male population, 67% Asian female population, 33% Asian male population, 100% of the Mixed-race population, 58% White female population, 83% of the White male population and by 1 male Race unspecified. Two reports of racism witnessed from staff towards patients. 50% of doctors do not know how to report racism. 54% of doctors would report racism if they knew how.ConclusionBlack, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Junior Doctors are disproportionately affected by racism with female gender as an additional vulnerability. Mixed-race females, Asian females, and Black doctors gave highest reported experience of racism from patients. Black doctors gave a higher reported experience of racism from staff and reported witnessing the most racism from staff towards other staff. Mixed-race and White male doctors represent a high number of those that witness patients be racist towards staff. Additional support is required in encouraging allyship, confidence and ability to report racism.