Graduate Medical Education

Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, Inc.

Institutional Policy
 

PURPOSE

Professional behavior creates an environment that promotes safe and high quality patient care and engenders a constructive learning environment. Physicians, along with all healthcare providers, have an ethical and professional duty to maintain a patient care environment that promotes the safe care of patients and fosters learning.

POLICY

It is the policy of the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, Inc., that its housestaff conduct themselves in a professional manner including but not limited to  not engaging in unethical or disruptive behavior,  resolving conflicts in an appropriate manner at all times, holding patient information confidential, and using discretion in communications regarding MCWAH affiliates and their employees.

Housestaff are expected to report all disruptive behavior or harassment that is directed at them, or that they observe, to MCWAH’s Designated Institutional Official (DIO) & Executive Director or Director of Risk Management. Reports may also be made anonymously through the MCWAH Hotline (414-955-8678).

Unprofessional conduct or attitude is not acceptable. Unprofessional behavior is grounds for disciplinary action and may result in termination form the training program.

Housestaff who report disruptive or unethical behavior will be protected from reprisal or retaliation.

DEFINITIONS AND EXAMPLES

The definitions and examples given are not intended to be all inclusive, but are given to provide guidance.

Examples of Professional Behavior

• Clearly identifies oneself to patient and staff
• Maintains a clean, neat appearance
• Maintains composure
• Treats patients with dignity and respect
• Collaborates with other members of the healthcare team and treats them with respect
• Answers questions and explains the patient’s plan of care to patient, family (with patient’s permission) and healthcare team members
• Answers phone calls and pages in a timely and courteous manner
• Respects cultural and religious differences of others
• Is truthful in verbal and written communications
• Communicates differences in opinion and good faith criticism respectfully in the appropriate forum
• Is on time for meetings and appointments
• Keeps patient information confidential
• Complies with the policies of MCWAH and the rules of any facility where training occurs

Disruptive or Unprofessional Behavior

Disruptive or unprofessional behavior may be viewed along a spectrum. Although there is no agreed upon definition and the term “disruptive” is sometimes interchangeable with the term “abusive”, it generally refers to a style of interaction with physicians, hospital personnel, patients, family members or others that interferes with patient care. Such behavior may be expressed verbally by using foul or threatening language, or through non-verbal behavior such as facial expressions or manners. (See AMA Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, Report 2-A-00 and Disruptive or unprofessional behavior is a threat to patient safety (AHRQ Patient Safety Primer, Patient Safety Network, 2010).

Examples of Disruptive or Unprofessional Behavior

• Conduct that could be characterized as harassment or discrimination. (See MCWAH’s policy on Harassment and Reporting in MCWAH's Handbook)
• Verbal threats of violence, retribution or lawsuits
• Verbal outbursts
• Insults, verbal comments or criticism intended to belittle or berate others
• Arguing in front of patients and families
• Physical actions that threaten others such as throwing or knocking down objects
• Inappropriate physical touching or contact
• Inappropriate communication of protected healthcare information whether in verbal, written or electronic format
• Disparaging remarks about other healthcare providers or facilities
• Illegal activities

This revised policy was approved by the MCWAH Graduate Medical Education Council on July 18, 2011.  This policy was approved by the MCWAH Graduate Medical Education Council on October 19, 2009.