News Brief: Joint Commission speaks on behavior and safety

Joint Commission speaks on behavior and safety

In early July, The Joint Commission issued a Sentinel Event Alert on behavior among health care professionals and its effect on care.

According to The Joint Commission: "Intimidating and disruptive behaviors can foster medical errors; contribute to poor patient satisfaction and to preventable adverse outcomes; increase the cost of care; and cause qualified clinicians, administrators, and managers to seek new positions in more professional environments."

The alert contends that "intimidating and disruptive" behavior in hospitals is not rare and that a survey conducted by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices found that 40% of clinicians "have kept quiet or remained passive during patient care events rather than question a known intimidator."