Cultural, generational, and gender biases, and current events influencing mood, attitude, and actions, also contribute to disrespectful behavior. Practitioner impairment, including substance abuse, mental illness, or personality disorder, is often at the root of highly disruptive behavior.
In 2013, ISMP conducted a survey on bullying, incivility, intimidation, and other forms of disrespectful behavior that have run rampant in healthcare while many remain silent or make excuses to minimize the profound devastation that disrespectful behavior leaves in its wake. These behaviors range from overt acts of abuse and bad behavior to insidious actions so embedded in our culture that they seem normal—gossip, for example. Any behavior that influences the willingness of staff or patients to speak up or interact with an individual because he or she expects the encounter will be unpleasant or uncomfortable, fits the definition of disrespectful behavior.1 See Table 1 for examples of disrespectful behavior.
Table 1. Scope of Disrespectful Behavior1,4,6,8,10 Behavior Category Description Examples Disruptive Behavior Egregious conduct clearly evident in the behavior and/or speech Angry or rude outbursts
Verbal threats
Swearing
Pushing or throwing objects
Bullying
Threat/infliction of physical force or conduct Demeaning Behavior Patterns of debasing behavior that exploit the weakness of another Shaming, humiliation
Demeaning comments
Spiteful behavior, backstabbing behavior
Constant distorted or misrepresented nitpicking/faultfinding
Censuring staff in front of others
Medical “education by humiliation”
Insults or insensitive jokes or remarks
Misogynistic comments
Sexual harassment, sexual innuendo Intimidating Behavior Implicit or explicit behaviors or threats used by one individual to control another; abuse of power through threats, coercion, and force of personality Overbearing behaviors
Arrogant behavior
Patronizing behaviors
Sarcasm or taunting
Hostile notes, emails
Invading another person’s personal space intentionally
Unjust verbal statements by someone in authority that result in distressful consequences in the recipient and others Passive-Aggressive Behavior Negativistic attitudes and passive resistance to demands for adequate performance; make cooperative, compliant, or pleasant comments but behave otherwise Unreasonably critical of authority
Negative comments about colleagues
Refusal to do tasks; stubborn about doing things their own way
Deliberate delay in responding to calls
Go out of the way to make others look bad while acting innocent
Undermine another’s position, status, value; setting someone up for failure
Failure to support a coworker
Intentionally communicating incomplete information
Willful workarounds without reporting system issues Passive Disrespect Uncooperative behaviors that are not malevolent Chronic lateness to meeting/rounds
Sluggish response to requests
Resist safe practices (e.g., time outs)
Non-participative in improvement efforts
Procrastinate causing delays
Ill prepared, not prepared Dismissive Treatment Behavior that makes patients or staff feel unimportant and uninformed Condescending comments
Patronizing comments/attitude
Gossip
Aloof, disinterested, ignoring behavior
Slights due to gender or race
Impatience
Resistance to work collaboratively
Constant refusal to value, recognize, acknowledge, praise contributions of others
Exclusionary and over-ruling behavior Nonverbal Insidious Behavior Subtle unspoken behavior that may seem innocent enough but is nonetheless disrespectful Staring or glaring
Sighing
Making gestures, pointing
Making faces, raising eyebrows, rolling eyes
Positioning body to exclude others Systemic Disrespect Disruptive behaviors so entrenched in the culture that the element of disrespect may be overlooked Making patients/staff wait for services
Requiring long work hours
Excessive workloads
In our October 3, 2013, issue of the newsletter, we published the results of our survey (Part I), which clearly exposed healthcare’s continued tolerance of and indifference to disrespectful behavior. Despite more than a decade of emphasis on safety, little improvement has been made. Widespread disrespectful behaviors in healthcare persist unchecked and are found at all levels of the organization and among all disciplines of staff. The stubborn strength of this problem lies in its quiet ability to undermine critical conversations.1 In Part II, we delve into the impact of disrespectful behaviors, why they arise and persist, and how to address them.
Impact of disrespectful behaviors
Disrespectful behavior chills communication and collaboration, undercuts individual contributions to care, undermines staff morale, increases staff resignations and absenteeism, creates an unhealthy or hostile work environment, causes some to abandon their profession, and ultimately harms patients. These behaviors have been linked to adverse events, medical errors, compromises in patient safety, and even patient mortality.2,3 Disrespect causes the recipient to experience fear, anger, shame, confusion, uncertainty, isolation, self-doubt, depression, and a whole host of physical ailments such as insomnia, fatigue, nausea, and hypertension.4 These feelings diminish a person’s ability to think clearly, make sound judgments, and speak up regarding questions or concerns. Disrespectful behavior is also at the root of difficulties encountered in developing team-based approaches to improving care.4 Patient confidence has also been undermined by disrespectful behaviors, making patients less likely to ask questions or provide important information.
Why disrespectful behaviors arise
Disrespectful behaviors can arise in any healthcare setting, and both the stressful nature of the environment and human nature play roles in this destructive behavior. Human beings are wired for survival. We are driven to function in “survival” mode when forced to cope with difficult personal frustrations and system failures. Disrespectful behavior is often “survival” behavior gone awry.1 Although personal frustrations and system failures do not excuse disrespectful behavior, they often create a tipping point by which an individual is pushed over the edge into full-blown disrespectful behavior. Characteristics of the individual, such as insecurity, anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, and narcissism, can also kick in and serve as a form of self-protection against feelings of inadequacy.4 Cultural, generational, and gender biases, and current events influencing mood, attitude, and actions, also contribute to disrespectful behavior.3 Practitioner impairment, including substance abuse, mental illness, or personality disorder, is often at the root of highly disruptive behavior.3
Differences in communication styles and power dynamics can also play a role.4,5 For example, physicians may get frustrated when nurses present information in more detail than they believe is necessary. Nurses may get frustrated when physicians do not seem interested in the information provided. These differences in communication styles can lead to disrespectful behaviors. The hierarchical nature of healthcare and a sense of privilege and status can lead those at the top of a hierarchy to treat others lower on the hierarchy with disrespect. A sense of autonomy can also underlie passive disrespect, such as a resistance to collaborate with others or follow procedures that promote safety. Unfortunately, the victims of disrespectful behavior may feel they have no choice but to become perpetrators themselves.4 They don’t quite know how to get their arms around the problem, so they tolerate the behavior or simply join in.
Why disrespectful behaviors persist
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Healthcare organizations have fed the problem of disrespectful behavior for years by ignoring it, thereby tacitly accepting such behaviors.1 The healthcare culture has permitted a certain degree of disrespect and “aggressive crudity” while considering this a normal style of communication.4 Studies have shown that disrespectful behaviors are tolerated most often in unfavorable work environments, but it is unclear whether poor working conditions create an environment where the behaviors are tolerated, or if the disrespectful behaviors create the unfavorable environment.6,7
Organizations have largely failed to address disrespectful behavior for a variety of reasons. First, the behavior typically occurs daily but often goes unreported due to fear of retaliation and the stigma associated with “whistle blowing.” Disrespectful behaviors are difficult to measure, so without robust systems of environmental scanning to uncover the behavior, leaders may be ignorant of the problem.8 Leaders may also be unaware of the behavior if managers shield them from this information because they view it as a personal failure.8 If disrespectful behaviors are known, leaders may be reluctant to confront individuals if they are powerful or high-revenue producers, or they may not know how to handle the problem. It’s not a topic taught in training programs, so leaders may hesitate to take on a problem for which there is no obvious solution.8
Regardless of the reasons for disrespectful behavior, none justify inaction. According to our 2013 survey, only a quarter of the respondents felt their organization dealt effectively with disrespectful behavior. The deep sense of frustration threaded through the comments from our survey respondents suggest that the time to act is now.
I. Set the stage
Establish a steering committee of trustees, senior leaders, middle managers, physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other staff. Have the committee educate itself about disrespectful behavior, define the behavior, list examples of the many forms it can take, and establish an action plan that specifies how to identify disrespectful behavior, respond to it, and measure the success of organizational efforts. Responsibility for addressing the problem belongs to the leaders, who need to raise awareness of the problem, inspire others to change, communicate respect as a core value, articulate their commitment to achieving it, and create a sense of urgency around doing so.
Establish a “no retribution” policy for those who report disrespectful behavior. This policy must be established at the very onset of organizational efforts to reduce disrespectful behaviors.
Open the dialogue about disrespectful behavior by surveying staff about the issue using surveys from ISMP (a link to download is at end of article), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, or Rosenstein and O’Daniel2 as templates. Incorporate questions about disrespectful behaviors in safety rounds. Hold focus groups where frank discussions can be held with objective facilitators to keep the conversation productive. However uncomfortable, dialogue on this issue is crucial to the development of more effective and respectful ways of interacting with each other.
II. Establish a code of conduct
Create a code of conduct (or code of professionalism) that serves as a model of interdisciplinary collegial relationships (different but equal) and collaboration (mutual trust and respect that produces willing cooperation).9 Clearly articulate the standard of behavior desired as well as unacceptable behaviors—don’t assume staff know this, so be clear.8 Another crucial factor to consider—all staff must believe in the code of conduct. Addressing disrespectful behavior must start with an absolute belief by all staff that no one deserves to be treated with disrespect, even in the wake of an error. Furthermore, the code of conduct should not allow any exemptions. As long as those who generate the most revenue are excused from responsibility for their actions, the code of conduct will have little impact on anyone else’s behavior.10
III. Establish a communication strategy
Establish a standard, assertive communication process for healthcare staff who must convey important information. Stating the problem along with its rationale and a potential solution can improve assertive communication. Numerous communication techniques are available to help staff accomplish this, including:
SBAR: the person communicating the crucial information covers the Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendations D-E-S-C script Describe in objective terms what you observed, heard, or perceived; Express concerns using “I” statements and non-judgmental terminology; Specify or inquire about an alternate course of action; discuss both positive and negative Consequences TeamSTEPPS Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety, an evidence-based teamwork system to improve communication and teamwork skills among healthcare professionals
A 2010 study also offers insight into the key skills used by nurses who have spoken up about typically undiscussable issues.11 These skills include explaining your positive intent and how you want to help both the caregiver and patient, using facts and data as much as possible to support your concern, avoiding frustration and anger, and other actions that are summarized in Table 2. The study also found that these skills were not enough—it took extraordinary courage to speak up because the nurses often believed they were violating norms, accepted practice, and rules. The American Nurses Association offers Tip Cards: Bullying in the Workplace that identifies behaviors on one side and effective responses to the behavior on the other side.12
Table 2. Key Skills When Communicative Concerns to Encourage Appropriate Investigation11 Explain your positive intent—how you want to help the caregiver as well as the patient. Use facts and data as much as possible to support your concern. Assume the best of people, but always speak up. Make an effort to communicate the concern in a safe environment (e.g., away from patients, caregivers) if possible to avoid defensive posturing. Don’t show frustration or anger; keep emotions in check, even if the initial response is not as expected. Avoid telling negative stories, making accusations, or using threats. Diffuse or deflect the person’s anger and emotion by staying calm.
IV. Manage conflicts
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An escalation policy must be established to manage conflicts about the safety of an order when the standard communication process fails to resolve an issue. Staff must know who to call to aid in getting a satisfactory resolution. Be sure the process provides an avenue for resolution outside the typical chain of command in case the conflict involves a subordinate and his/her supervisor. Following a Two Challenge Rule is one option. Used in highly reliable industries with excellent safety records, the rule requires communication of critical information twice to the same person. If there’s no resolution, the matter is automatically referred to at least one other person before a final decision is made. Another option is a tool from aviation, the Most Conservative Response Rule (MCRR). In the event of an impasse, this technique suggests that the involved staff accept the most conservative (and safest) option being considered. If a concern is not addressed, staff need a clear and immediate process to take the matter to another or refer it to a timely ad hoc group for peer review. If the patient’s condition requires immediate attention, a rapid response team can be called if available.
V. Establish interventions
Develop an intervention policy that has full leadership support to consistently address disrespectful behaviors. An effective policy includes zero tolerance for disrespectful behaviors regardless of the offender’s standing in the organization, fairness to all parties, consistency in enforcement, a tiered response to infractions, a restorative process to help people change their behavior, and surveillance mechanisms.10 Levels of interventions might start with coaching and proceed to progressive discipline as warranted. The intervention policy should clearly articulate the behaviors or repeated behaviors that will be referred for disciplinary action, and how and when the disciplinary process will start.13 The focus of an intervention should be on building trust and holding staff accountable for making better behavioral choices. The importance of a prompt, predictable, and appropriate response to an alleged violation cannot be overemphasized.10 In all cases, those who report or cooperate in the investigation should be protected against retaliation.14
The intervention policy should also require addressing any system issues that amplify and perpetuate the disrespectful behavior. Common system problems include issues that affect workloads, staffing, budgeting, education, communication, handoffs, physical hazards, and environmental stressors. Individual behaviors can also be altered through system improvements.1
VI. Train staff
Provide mandatory hospital-wide education for all staff about the impact of disrespectful behavior and appropriate professional behavior as defined by the code of conduct.13,15 Provide skill-based training in communication methods, relationship building, business etiquette, behavioral techniques to confront and address disrespect, conflict resolution, assertiveness training, team training, and how to report disrespectful behaviors. Use role-playing, vignettes, or aggression scenarios to strengthen skills associated with assertive communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal interactions. One health system provides leaders with a toolkit that includes talking points regarding the impact of disrespectful behavior, the code of conduct, definitions, surveys, communication/teamwork guides, key articles and intranet resources, “no retribution” policy, and a letter from the chief executive officer outlining full leadership support.8
VII. Encourage reporting/surveillance
Implement a confidential reporting/surveillance program for detecting disruptive behavior and measuring compliance with the code of conduct. A formal reporting program and an informal process for unwritten reports should be offered, and anyone who experiences or witnesses disruptive behavior should be encouraged to report the event.14 The “no retribution” policy for reporting should be well known to staff and upheld. Periodic updates should be provided to reporters about addressing disrespectful behaviors, but individual details should remain confidential.
No organization should assume that the absence of reports of disrespectful behavior means it is not occurring. Other means of surveillance to identify disrespectful behaviors should be employed, including feedback from patients and families, staff and patient surveys, focus groups, informal dialogue, peer and team evaluations, and making direct inquiries at routine intervals (e.g., during safety rounds). Surveys appear to be the most reliable surveillance tool.2
VIII. Create a positive environment
Certain aspects of the workplace environment are key to combatting disrespect, including a fair and Just Culture, respectful management of serious adverse events, and transparency so staff feel safe talking about disrespectful behavior without fear of reprisal.13 Another factor is visible leadership commitment to a respectful culture, which requires leading by example. Leaders should set the tone with an attitude of mutual respect for the contributions of all staff, remain open to questions and new ideas, and reward outstanding examples of collaborative teamwork, respectful communication, and positive interpersonal skills. Using key communication tools such as email blasts, leaders can maintain an ongoing dialogue about respectful behaviors with the entire organization to help assure staff that leadership commitment to a respectful culture is not fleeting.1
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