Understanding and Remediating Lapses in Professionalism: Lessons From the Island of Last Resort

Abstract

The literature on unprofessional behavior is reviewed. It is well accepted that unprofessional behavior, including a lack of civility and respect, can have a negative impact on patient safety and quality of care. We used a focused review in the context of 20 years of experience of assessing, treating, and remediating unprofessional behavior. The review highlights that unprofessional behavior can stem from a variety of sources, including health, psychological/psychiatric issues, social functioning or support, or a combination of these. The review covers the challenges in the work environment and the relationship between outcome, as experienced by the physician, and the likelihood the physician will repeat or modify his or her behavior. Based on the evidence provided in the review and our clinical and research experience, we offer a new framework for the assessment, treatment, and remediation of physicians with professionalism transgressions: the Environmentally Valid Learning Approach. The approach is related to and expands on Miller's Pyramid by adding bio-psycho-social functioning and professional identity to the Pyramid. It emphasizes the dynamic and environmental characteristics of professional identity. Effective intervention is possible. Consideration of contributory factors, addressing/treating those factors, teaching/remediating skill deficiencies, and determining elements that need to be in place to foster implementation and maintenance of the developing skills are necessary components for successful resolution. The behavior is fully remediated when a self-sustaining alternative to the unprofessional behavior is established and the desired behavior becomes a permanent part of the physician's behavioral repertoire.