English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Disruptive behavior in a medical setting is defined as objectionable or offensive interpersonal behavior that leads to disruption of professional activities in the workplace. 1 It has been observed that majority of doctors do not show disruptive behavior in their day today conduct and only few doctors are identified for their disruptive behavior. Special committee on professional conduct and ethics defines disruptive behavior in physicians as a berrant behavior manifested through personal interaction with physicians, hospital personnel, health care professionals, patients, family members or others which interferes with patient care or could reasonably be expected to interfere with the process of delivering quality care. 2 Common forms of disruptive behaviors generally seen amongst young doctors are use of abusive language, yelling or shouting at patients, colleagues and subordinate staff, showing in disciplined behavior and at times indulging in physical abuse.3-4STUDY DESIGN: Study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital where 614 health care professionals participated which included 108 doctors 432 nursing staff and 74 paramedical staff METHOD: Data collection was done by semi structured pretested questionnaire and was entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed for frequency and percentages. RESULTS: 64 % doctor, 66% nursing staff and 50% of the paramedicals answered that they have seen doctors showing disruptive behavior at one time or the other. Not all the doctors show disruptive behavior but this type of aberrant behavior is seen mainly in2-3 percent of doctors only. While answering to the question as to the type of disruptive behavior, 57% health care professionals reported that commonest form of disruptive behavior noticed by them amongst doctors was yelling or shouting on junior staff, patients and colleagues. 47% answered that doctors with disruptive behavior do not follow laid down orders or protocols, 1%respondents reported that they have seen doctors showing cast discrimination amongst staff. Sexual remarks or physical abuse was reported by negligible number of respondents. CONCLUSION: Majority of health care professionals reported that problem of intimidating or disruptive behavior does exist in small minority of doctors and while working with such doctors it causes mental stress, frustration, inability to concentrate on work, fear to communicate, reduction in teamwork and relation with such doctors remain tense.