Survey Finds Bad Behavior Is Pervasive Among Medical Personnel

November 3, 2009 1:41 p.m. EST

Tampa, FL (AHN) - Some of the crazy antics popular on television medical dramas or daytime television surrounding a hospital are being acted out in real life medical centers. According to a new survey conducted by the American College of Physician Executives more than 2,100 physicians and nurses found examples of bad behavior are common in the health care field.

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 respondents reported was degrading comments and insults, of 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.

Highlights from the survey reported these shocking behaviors, which are more in tune with over-the top doctor dramas. For instance: a physician was observed 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.

Granted these behaviors are not the norm and could be expected to occur in other fields or professions that life and death and human health aren't the tenets of those hired with caregiving.

However, 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 Jan. 1.

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.