TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Screaming matches in front of bewildered
patients. Angry surgeons hurling instruments across the operating room.
Treachery and backstabbing as physicians and nurses try to undermine one
another.
It may sound like a script from a television medical drama, but these kinds of
scenarios are occurring frequently in hospitals and health care systems across
the country, according to a new survey conducted by the American College of
Physician Executives. The survey of more than 2,100 physicians and nurses
found examples of bad behavior are common in the health care field.
Many also wrote in with personal stories of behavior they witnessed:
-- A physician groping a radiology tech as she attempted to take an
X-ray.
-- A nurse who spread false rumors about a new doctor in hopes of getting
him fired or disciplined.
-- A surgeon growing so enraged with a nurse that he stuffed her
head-first
into a trash can.
-- Another physician telling a nurse, "You don't look dumber than my dog.
Why can't you at least fetch what I need?"
According to the participants, the fundamental lack of respect between doctors
and nurses is a problem that affects staff morale, patient safety and public
perception of the industry.
Nearly 98 percent of survey participants reported behavior problems between
doctors and nurses at their organizations. The most common complaint was
degrading comments and insults, which nearly 85 percent of participants said
they had experienced at their organization. Other typical complaints included
yelling, cursing, inappropriate joking and refusing to work with one another.
The problem is not new. In fact, it is so widespread that The Joint Commission
issued a statement requiring health care facilities to adopt zero tolerance
policies for disruptive physician behavior by January 1, 2009. But the ACPE
survey illustrates just how pervasive the behavior is.
Survey participants and experts in behavior also offered suggestions about the
best ways to address the issue, from improved training for medical and nursing
students to strict policy guidelines that carry real consequences.
The survey and related articles are being published in the November\December
issue of ACPE's journal of medical management, "The Physician Executive."
For complete results, please contact Carrie Johnson, ACPE Director of Public
Relations, at cjohnson@acpe.org or (800) 562-8088.
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit
http://www.ereleases.com.
SOURCE American College of Physician Executives
Carrie Johnson, ACPE Director of Public Relations, cjohnson@acpe.org,
+1-800-562-8088
