Bullying and harassment in perioperative settings.

This article explores the concepts of bullying and harassment, defines the terms and their implications, and explores similarities and differences between the two. It also examines pertinent legislation and identifies strategies to raise awareness and optimise a bullying and harassment-free perioperative environment. Bullying and harassment in the workplace was the focus of this presentation at NATN Congress 2002. Challenging behaviours involving patients and carers is another topic in itself.