The article Poll Results: Doctor’s Disruptive Behavior Disturbs Physician Leaders written by David O. Weber examines the relationship between physicians and medical staff. The American College of Physician Executives produced a survey in 2004 where approximately 1600 physician executives revealed insightful information regarding disruptive physician behaviors (Weber, 2004). The American Medical Association defines disruptive behavior as “a style of interaction with physicians, hospital personnel, patients, family members and others that interferes with patient care”. The survey’s questions make it evident that physician behavior problems are common within hospitals, large group practices, healthcare systems and academic medical centers (Weber, 2004). Physician executives responded with alarming statistics that illustrate the need for a change in how physicians conduct themselves.
I have never personally observed any disruptive behaviors from physicians, but this article gave me an understanding of what can happen behind the scenes. After reading the article it made me think of my mother when she worked as the office manager for an orthopedic surgeon at Cayuga Medical Hospital in Ithaca, New York. I remember her informing me of a statistic stating that two thirds of nurses claim abuse from physicians several times a year, which is also reinforced in this article. This article made me aware of the effects physician behaviors have on patient care, staff relations, and personal and professional life.
The statistics in this article are compelling and physician leaders have a lot to say about the behaviors that doctors display. Behaviors “range from overt to subvert,” and statistics show that disrespect is the most common disruptive behavior, followed by refusal to carry duties, yelling, insulting, and physical abuse (Weber, 2004). This causes doctors to lose