Perspectives on discriminatory behaviours in health and care

Why did we commission this research?

We commissioned research to help form part of a wider evidence base and take forward work following the publication of our Safer care for all report last year. In the chapter on Tackling equalities, we had observed that though regulators take discriminatory behaviour by their registrants seriously, the sanctions handed down as part of the fitness to practise process varied from regulator to regulator. 

This was qualitative research involving a mixture of group discussions and interviews. The research was undertaken by Research Works and the report compiled by then on the PSA’s behalf.

Participants in the research discussed what they see as discriminatory behaviour in health and care and how this can have an impact on confidence in healthcare professionals and on patient safety. With this report, we hope to start a conversation to help the regulators and Accredited Registers we oversee take a more consistent approach in dealing with this type of behaviour.