Ethical Approach to the Abusive/Disruptive Physician

Abstract

Abusive, intimidating, and disruptive behavior is unprofessional and antithetical to the provision of medical care within a culture of safety. These behaviors affect all members of the health-care team, including trainees, and have shown to result in adverse patient outcomes. When events occur, rapid intervention utilizing structured processes as required by The Joint Commission and consistent with the AMA Code of Medical Ethics needs to be implemented to protect all involved. These processes must allow for an anonymous reporting system, impartial evaluation, and graded response to these behaviors. Unfortunately, anonymity in reporting may result in the weaponization of the system.

Keywords: Behavioral peer review; Culture of safety; Disruptive and abusive behavior; Remediation; Unprofessional behavior and harm.