“Disruptive physician behavior” Will Dramatically Increase Under The New Health Care Law

Currently, inappropriate displays of anger among physicians at work is exhibited by 4% of physicians in the U.S. Anger is a normal human emotion that is considered “disruptive” in healthcare organizations when it is too intense, occurs too frequently, lasts too long, damages work relationships or compromises patient safety.

The Joint Commission requires that all healthcare organizations address this issue by establishing guidelines regarding “disruptive behavior”. This includes written policy to define unacceptable behavior as well as resources to address anger that risk patient safety.

According to healthcare experts, the Affordable Care Act will strip away physician autonomy, drown doctors in bureaucracy, and drain job satisfaction. As the profession deteriorates, older doctors will retire while younger doctors will look to switch careers. Many students considering a career in medicine will pursue other opportunities. The supply of providers will dwindle as demand for services reaches an all-time high.

Medical school training does not prepare doctors to develop skills in emotional intelligence designed to increase self-awareness, self-control, social awareness and relationship management. These and other Emotional Intelligence skills are the keys to success in interpersonal relationships including empathy, leadership, stress management, effective communication, and positive bedside manner.

Coaching for “disruptive physicians” is rapidly becoming the most popular niche in Executive Coaching. Many physicians are seeking assistance for impulse control/anger management. Some physicians are becoming Coaches for “disruptive physicians”.