Perception of intimidation in a perioperative setting

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• Intimidation in healthcare settings poses a significant risk to patient safety.
• An adverse event in 2006 prompted an initiative to address intimidation in perioperative services at Spectrum Health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate physician beliefs regarding intimidating behaviors in perioperative services.
• To compare these beliefs with definitions of intimidation from national professional organizations.

Main Methods:

• Survey of physicians in the perioperative services department.
• Correlation of physician-identified intimidating behaviors with national organizational definitions.

Main Results:

• Physicians agreed with national definitions for only 4 out of 9 behaviors considered intimidating.
• Lack of complete agreement on what constitutes intimidation, even for severe behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Discrepancies in defining intimidation hinder traditional interventions.
• Alternative strategies are necessary to effectively manage disruptive behaviors and improve the care environment.