Bullying of junior doctors prevails in Irish health system: a bitter reality.

Workplace bullying in health systems is a well known fact. It leads to not only breakdown in teamwork but also has significant affect on the individual's personal life. True prevalence of bullying in junior doctors working in Ireland is unknown. Our aim of study was to find out the prevalence of bullying in junior doctors working hospitals in south and western counties of Ireland and to assess its effects on the productivity of work and family life and to identify the common source of bullying. We carried out a questionnaire survey. A total of 950 questionnaires were sent. Response rate was 51%. Our sample is 15% of the target population of all the hospital junior doctors. 30% of the responders claimed to be subjected to one or more bullying behaviors. Doctors from European Union (EU) reported significantly less rate of bullying compares to non EU doctors. Our results are in line with the results of studies conducted in United Kingdom. This study shows the magnitude and source of the problem. We conclude that bullying is a common problem in Irish health system. Increased awareness and zero tolerance are required to eradicate bullying.