Interprofessional Cooperation & Respect Crucial to Patient Safety

The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority recently released data which shows that disruptive behaviors among healthcare clinicians is negatively affecting patient care.

"What causes these situations? According to the PPSA, many of these episodes arise because of conflicts between doctors and nurses, and a medical culture that holds doctors' opinions and the wishes of high-ranking staff members in greater regard than those of others."

All you novice nurses take note, successful team building requires your contribution to an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation! Patient safety is at stake.

Interdisciplinary Teamwork Under Stress

Disruptive behavior by doctors and nurses persists according to this research news reported in American Medical News ...by Amy Lynn Sorrel.
On their worst behavior ~ A national survey of physician and nurse executives asked how many had observed or experienced these behavior problems from doctors or nurses in their organizations:

Degrading comments and insults ~ 84.5%
Yelling ~ 73.3%
Cursing ~ 49.4%
Inappropriate joking ~ 45.5%
Refusing to work with colleague ~ 38.4%
Refusing to speak to colleague ~ 34.3%
Trying to get someone unjustly disciplined ~ 32.3%
Throwing objects ~ 18.9%
Trying to get someone unjustly fired ~ 18.6%
Spreading malicious rumors ~ 17.1%
Sexual harassment ~ 13.4%
Physical assault ~ 2.8%
Other 10.0%

"Ninety-seven percent of respondents experienced unprofessional outbursts and overreactions, with most saying these happened several times a year and sometimes even weekly. Most survey respondents, 48%, said doctors and nurses were equally culpable for the conflicts, but 45% said doctors were mostly to blame."

Source: "Bad Blood: Doctor-Nurse Behavior Problems Impact Patient Care," American College of Physician Executives 2009 Doctor-Nurse Behavior Survey, Physician Executive Journal, November/December.

Hospital Pioneers Multidisciplinary Leadership Model

by Debra Wood RN
"Aiming to create a more respectful and healthy workplace, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) in Philadelphia has developed a new clinical leadership model, charging teams of nurses, physicians and quality coordinators with improving outcomes...It is an egalitarian model...Units have clamored to take part.
"We are bonded at the hip," said Victoria L. Rich, chief nursing executive, "We are not going to change this model. This model is what has to happen for the furture."
Title link takes you to the article published at NurseZone.com .

Reflections on Doctors: Nurses' Stories About Physicians & Surgeons

Edited by Terry Ratner, ISBN: 9781427798251, Kaplan Pub., Sept. 2008.
"Nurses share what it’s like to work with doctors—when it’s like a smooth-running machine, when communication breaks down, and how it directly affects the patient. Hear from people new to the field as well as those who have been in nursing for decades about power differences, gender dynamics, and the challenge of public perceptions.

Edited and introduced by a registered nurse, Reflections on Doctors is a resource for nurses and anyone who wants to better understand the healthcare professionals who care for them."
Read NYTimes review.