“Bad Behavior” in Health Care

By Holly Hayes

After hearing Dan O’Connell speak earlier this month, I found this on-line presentation by Dan titled, Bad behavior — preparing for and dealing with disruptive behavior by providers. Dan is a clinical psychologist who works as an educator, consultant, clinician, department chair and executive director in medical and behavioral health settings.

He suggests health care organizations develop a positive, proactive statement of expected physician behavior to address any behavioral concerns that arise and gives an example:

Members of the group behave as healers, leaders and partners. As healers they attend to the emotional as well as the technical needs of their patients. Patient needs are foremost in shaping their response in any situation. As leaders they positively work on solving problems and reject blaming, cynicism and divisiveness. Their behavior and attitude exemplifies maturity, respect, ethical sensitivity and self discipline. As partners they contribute to an attitude of collegiality, cooperation, civility and foster trust and transparency.

Dan references The Joint Commission code of conduct and recommends applying the code formally and informally by making “physician or nurse behavior discussable by any member of the group or staff by teaching and rewarding assertiveness and crucial conversations” and utilizing a “facilitator/intermediary much more readily” in resolving conflict. He suggests utilizing a “consistent and equitable reporting system” that applies to all staff and respects due process, as well as establishing a “progressive discipline approach” that is consistent with existing staff bylaws and labor agreements.

Read more about our posts on disruptive behavior in health care here. We welcome your comments.