Policy urges respectful behaviour to colleagues and patients
policy
Bad behaviour poses risk to patient safety
Policy urges respectful behaviour to colleagues and patients
photo: masterfile
Unprofessional behaviour comes in many different forms, but when behaviour is disruptive it not only unsettles and rattles co-workers but also jeopardizes the safety of patients.
A doctor known for her quick temper, insults, and bullying behaviour, for example, may inhibit colleagues and patients from asking her for clarification on a care issue. Or rather than face the doctor’ s possible wrath, nurses may hesitate to point out a possible drug interaction or be reluctant to make an observation about the changing condition of one of her patients. Research has shown that a physician’ s disruptive behaviour not only undermines medical professionalism and the communication and collaboration that underpin good medical practice, it also impacts the delivery of quality health care and patient safety. At its meeting in May, Council approved an updated policy that states physicians are expected to act in a respectful, courteous and civil manner toward their patients, colleagues, and others involved in the provision of health care. The policy also identifies a subset of unprofessional behaviour known as disruptive behaviour and articulates the negative impact that disruptive behaviour can have on patient safety, outcomes and the work environment. The policy is consistent with the earlier policy first approved by Council in 2007 and does not create new expectations for the profession.“ While there may be a myriad of reasons for disruptive behaviour, whether personal, professional, or situational, physicians are nevertheless expected to demonstrate professional behaviour at all times,” states the policy. The Guidebook for Managing Disruptive Physician Behaviour is the companion document to this policy, as it provides institutions and organizations with advice and tools for creating environments that foster medical professionalism and effectively addressing disruptive behaviour in a staged approach.
Issue 2, 2016 Dialogue 19