Although many features distinguish a profession, one of the most important is responsibility for the conduct of its members. Unfortunately, administrative leaders of health care institutions often do not have training in or strategies for dealing with disruptive behavior. Without the proper tools, health care professionals seemingly tolerate a certain amount of unprofessional behavior in their institutions. Toleration of unprofessional behavior is common enough to warrant concern, and the consequences are severe enough to potentially cause patient safety issues, low staff morale, and cost burdens. In large medical centers, disruptive behaviors may occur even weekly or daily, and they adversely affect many persons. Persistent patterns of disruptive behaviors appear to be displayed by relatively few professionals, perhaps 2-6%. These disruptive individuals present first and foremost a threat to quality of care and patient safety. This seminar will teach medical center leaders tools and strategies designed to address disruptive conduct. We refer to those who speak with colleagues about their disruptive conduct as “messengers.” In this session, messengers are taught skills for addressing 1) single unprofessional incidents, and 2) an apparent pattern of problematic behavior.
Monday, June 29, 2009: 8:45 AM-9:45 AM
Ballroom 6A-6B (San Diego Convention Center)
Moderator:
Rose Horton
Presenting Author:
Gerald B. Hickson, MD