An organizational assessment of disruptive clinician behavior: findings and implications

J Nurs Care Qual. 2013 Apr-Jun;28(2):110-21. doi: 10.1097/NCQ.0b013e318270d2ba.

Abstract

This study investigated registered nurses' (RNs) and physicians' (MD) experiences with disruptive behavior, triggers, responses, and impacts on clinicians, patients, and the organization. Using the Disruptive Clinician Behavior Survey for Hospital Settings, it was found that RNs experienced a significantly higher frequency of disruptive behaviors and triggers than MDs; MDs (45% of 295) and RNs (37% of 689) reported that their peer's disruptive behavior affected them most negatively. The most frequently occurring trigger was pressure from high census, volume, and patient flow; 189 incidences of harm to patients as a result of disruptive behavior were reported. Findings provide organizational leaders with evidence to customize interventions to strengthen the culture of safety.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Behavior
  • Conflict, Psychological*
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Staff, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Medical Staff, Hospital / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology*
  • Physician-Nurse Relations