Reinforcing the necessary and obvious: doctors should be nice.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Professionalism
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Growing public and professional emphasis on physician-patient rapport and caring behaviors.
• Professional medical organizations advocate for traits such as honesty, respect, and compassion in physicians.
• Observed instances of impatience, insensitivity, and rudeness within academic medical centers challenge professional ideals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore strategies for fostering a culture of "niceness" and civility within academic medical institutions.
• To identify methods for integrating and reinforcing patient-centered professional behaviors in medical practice and education.

Main Methods:

• Proposing a multi-faceted approach to cultivate a culture of "nice" behaviors.
• Emphasizing the expectation and exhibition of civility in all interactions.
• Recommending reinforcement of "nice" messaging, recognition of exemplary clinicians, and development of measurement/reward systems.
• Suggesting integration of "niceness" training into medical curricula and targeted recruitment.

Main Results:

• A culture of "nice" can be intentionally nurtured through consistent efforts.
• Specific interventions can promote civility, enhance patient-centeredness, and improve the overall professional environment.
• Recognizing and rewarding physicians for their manner and quality of care is crucial.

Conclusions:

• Fostering a culture of civility and patient-centeredness is achievable in academic medical settings.
• A systematic approach involving education, recognition, and recruitment can enhance professional behaviors.
• Promoting "nice" behaviors aligns with the core mission of positive patient care and institutional contribution.