DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR HARMS PATIENTS

Disruptive and Inappropriate Behavior: "Conduct by an individual working in the organization that intimidates others to the extent that quality and safety could be compromised. These behaviors, as determined by the organization, may be verbal or non-verbal, may involve the use of rude language, may be threatening, or may involve physical contact."
[The Joint Commission. Glossary: E-Edition 2009]

" ‘Any behavior which impairs the health care team’s ability to function well creates risk,’ says Gerald Hickson, M.D., associate dean for Clinical Affairs and director of the Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Such behaviors include reluctance or refusal to answer questions, return phone calls or pages; condescending language or voice intonation; and impatience with questions. Overt and passive behaviors undermine team effectiveness and can compromise the safety of patients. All intimidating and disruptive behaviors are unprofessional and should not be tolerated.

Disruptive behaviors often go unreported, and therefore unaddressed, for a number of reasons. Fear of retaliation and the stigma associated with "blowing the whistle" on a colleague, as well as a general reluctance to confront an intimidator all contribute to underreporting of intimidating and/or disruptive behavior."
[The Joint Commission. Sentinel Event Alert: Issue 40, July 9, 2008]

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