Hotspots: Outcomes & lessons after 3 years of an initiative to identify & act on bullying, harassment & discrimination in the Auckland Medical Programme

Abstract

HOTSPOTS is a confidential group feedback mechanism designed to identify and reduce bullying, discrimination and harassment of medical students on clinical placements,. Implemented in 2019 after extensive local and national consultation, it involves reporting by students, analysis by programme staff, and taking action through collaboration with academic and clinical staff, including Chief Medical Officers (CMOs). HOTSPOTS makes a difference and has been announced as a finalist in the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards, 2022.

The HOTSPOTS online survey contains four questions per clinical attachment. Students enter scores for each clinical placement for the preceding six months, thereby highlighting areas of concern (‘HOTSPOTS’) and/or good practice (‘BRIGHTSPOTS’). Results are summarised (text and charts), showing the response distribution using a ‘heat’ scale. Individualised departmental reports go to senior University staff, and site-specific reports are provided to CMOs, followed by meetings to discuss issues and actions.

Three years of data has been collected. Key points to be reported: - Student response - Trends in longitudinal data (i.e. where a HOTSPOT has been identified, how often it shows improvement, no change or deterioration in subsequent surveys) - The number of new HOTSPOTS and BRIGHTSPOTS emerging

(NB: Discipline and site identification will be protected in line with the terms of reference)

Common issues identified as contributing to scores will be reported, with examples of consequent actions taken. Students’ examples of excellent and concerning practices will be presented. Strengths and weaknesses of the HOTSPOTS initiative will be outlined, with past modifications and future plans.