Whistleblowers still being dismissed or redeployed, claims Patients First

The Consequences of Whistle-blowing: An Integrative Review

“…The most common occupational consequences cited were overt reprisals such as dismissals, suspensions, formal warnings, 22,25–35 losing pensions, 32,36 and being struck off the nurse register 26,37 . However, covert tactics to make the whistle-blower’s work more difficult and/or insignificant 38 had also been cited, including redeployment, 39 transfers, 40 reduced hours, 40 being denied promotions and raises, 30 being pressured to resign, 41 demotion 41 with their career being halted, 41 and facing difficulties in securing new employment 42 . Furthermore, relational exclusions aimed to marginalize are often cited, 43 e.g., being bullied, victimized and ostracized, 22,23,30,32,38,41,44,45 losing peer support, 34,43 and facing strained collegial relationships 45 .…”

“…This include overwhelming and persistent emotional distress 36 manifested through feelings of stress and anxiety, 32,39,50 suspiciousness, 36 anger, 50 powerlessness, 37 and even fear of physical violence toward themselves and their children from subject of complaints 42 . It had been cited that these feelings have at times been sufficiently severe and persistent to result in mental disorders 36,43 such as anxiety disorders, 32,39,50 depression, suicide, 25,32,36,43 flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts 36 . This can ultimately leave the whistle-blower feeling disillusioned, cynical, and bitter about the episode 36,38,50 .…”

“…36,50 In some instances, even welfare of the whistle-blower's family 45 was alleged to have been compromised, e.g., adverse impact on children, 36 relationship breakdowns, separations, and divorces. 36 Furthermore, issues at hand might be played down, ignored, or even laughed at, 34,39,47,[51][52][53] and the whistle-blower's frustration might be compounded by seeing alleged target still practising 48 with patients consequently not ending better off or even suffering. 1,32,52 The only cited negative consequence to the organization (target of whistle-blowing) was a "panic type" reaction within the organisation as it prepared for external scrutiny.…”