In June of 2019 JAMA Surgery published results of a study linking reports of unprofessional conduct by surgeons with higher complication rates for patients. This article parallels the literature of less efficient, less happy and poorer care with poor communication and poor culture of safety.
http://bit.ly/2EOx2Ox
It likely comes as no surprise that unprofessional conduct including creating a hostile work environment, poor interpersonal skills and inappropriate behavior and communication likely affects those same interactions with patients. The exact etiology for increased complications is not defined but the plethora of likely causes for this association is easy to envision.
With the increasing importance of team based care, culture of safety and just culture, it is predictable that alienating professional colleagues would compromise communication and cooperative care which is crucial to safe care. Once again it is critical for unprofessional conduct to be reported and corrected. Without accountability and consequences, inappropriate conduct will not be eliminated. Remediation and education should be a primary avenue to address unprofessional conduct but when ineffective, punitive measures must be instituted.
Speak up, do not tolerate unprofessional conduct and make a difference in patient care and the work environment.
“Zero tolerance for bullies” needs to move into the healthcare setting
Make a difference.
Copyright Nicolas Argy 2019