Viewpoint Examines Disruptive Behavior, Emphasizes Role of Leadership in Prevention

Healthcare risk managers may be interested in a viewpoint article, posted online August 21, 2014, in the Journal of the American Medical Association, that discusses the problem of disruptive behaviors among physicians and offers guidance about how best to address physicians with behavioral problems and develop a medical culture of safety with clear expectations and standards. According to the viewpoint, once identified, disruptive behaviors cannot and should not be ignored. If the physician demonstrating the disruptive behavior is unaware of the effect of his or her actions and fails to seek advice and support, physician colleagues have a role in meeting with the physician, reviewing the noted behaviors, and supporting the physician in changing the behavior or seeking assistance. When disruptive behavior persists despite these initial interventions, it becomes the responsibility of the department chair, medical staff president, or chief medical officer.