Opinion
Joint Commission's standard on disruptive behavior is unreasonable
LETTER — Posted Jan. 5, 2009
Regarding "AMA Meeting: Disruptive behavior standard draws fire" (Article, Dec. 1, 2008): We physicians frequently face scrutiny. The Joint Commission is going to attempt to legislate human nature.
Those who will listen: Please wake up. More often than not the inadequacy of hospital administrations to create an environment, equipment and staffing conducive to optimal care is the spark. The fuel is the egregious frequency at which these unacceptable events occur, often coupled with a silent yet palpable administrative arrogance and avarice despite following the appropriate channels. Ultimately, the fire is the inevitable frustration of the doctor who is personally, not collectively, responsible, both ethically and legally for a patient's care.
It is past time for all the omniscient bureaucrats to examine the grassroots of this behavior proactively rather than reactively ascribe nonjudicial punishment and professional condemnation.
The Joint Commission's alert includes behaviors such as condescending language or voice intonation; impatience with questions. I have a novel idea: Grow up. Focus on doing your job well and I'll bet those horrible physicians leave without as much as a grimace. Otherwise, we may have to tippy-toe through the hospital so we don't risk offending anyone, or will that be considered sarcasm? Maybe the Joint Commission should be renamed the Joint Commune. Are you watching what I read too?
Devin M. Cunning, MD, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/01/05/edlt0105.htm.
