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Is Bystander Intervention Training Effective in Mitigating Sexual Misconduct?

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ePoster Presentation

11:40 am

28 February 2024

Exhibition Hall (Poster 1)

Student and stakeholder issues and assessment of cultural safety

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Presentation Description

Keziah Jara Hidalgo1
Elizabeth Kim1, Jenny Silberger2, Fanglong Dong1 and Chaya Prasad3
1 Western University of Health Sciences
2 Kaiser Permanente Oregon
3 AAMC 



Background:
Bystander Intervention Training (BIT) programs in healthcare institutions aim to prevent sexual harassment and abuse. Positive attitude changes suggest benefit in implementing BIT programs as an ongoing process1. BIT programs positively impact behaviors, specifically in identifying situations warranting intervention2. BIT helps ensure individuals possess tools to intervene when witnessing sexual misconduct3. 


Summary of work:
Objective was to determine the baseline exposure of BIT among healthcare professionals and evaluate optimal strategies and timing for effective BIT. Survey topics included demographics, training years, recipient of formal training, level of confidence in intervening, methods, timing, and topics of effective training. 


Results:
65 American College of Physicians (ACP) members completed the questionnaire. 24 (41.4%) subjects received formal sexual assault and harassment BIT. Among those, 87.5% felt confident to intervene when witnessing sexual assault, compared to 56.3% of those without formal training (p=0.0286). There was a statistically significant difference in the Caucasian versus non-Caucasian groups, evident in the following questions: BIT addressed common barriers to intervention (100% versus 60%, P=0.0237), BIT was effective in making them feel confident to intervene (84.6% versus 30%, P=0.0253), could safely intervene as a bystander (91.2% versus 63.6%, P=0.0127). Preferred methods of BIT included small group sessions using vignettes and information on intervening safely. BIT training at high school and undergraduate education were most effective, while graduate level and internship/residency were least effective. 


Discussion:
BIT effectively increases confidence levels and intervention ability in sexual misconduct incidents. The most effective modalities include clinical vignettes. There is a need for informed policies and proactive education in healthcare institutions to promote a supportive environment for addressing sexual misconduct. 


Conclusions:
Future research should explore training differences among specific populations and cultural factors influencing bystander behaviors. Possible limitations include a small sample of the ACP and exclusion of other healthcare professions trainees. 



References (maximum three) 

1. Jouriles, E. N., Krauss, A., Vu, N. L., Banyard, V. L., & McDonald, R. (2018). Bystander programs addressing sexual violence on college campuses: A systematic review and meta- analysis of program outcomes and delivery methods. Journal of American College Health, 66(6), 457-466. DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1431906 

2. Kettrey, H. H., & Marx, R. A. (2021). Effects of bystander sexual assault prevention programs on promoting intervention skills and combatting the bystander effect: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 17(3), 343-367. DOI: 10.1007/s10964-018-0927-1 

3. Ortega, C. (2021). Intervening as a Bystander in Situations of Student Misconduct: Sexual Assault, Hazing, and Academic Dishonesty. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. 

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