Assisting Physicians Who Exhibit Disruptive Behavior: Understanding the Costs, Contributors, and Corrections

Objective The aim of this article is to discuss the etiology, prevalence, impact, and management of disruptive behavior in physicians. These various aspects will be examined at both the individual and system level, to provide appropriate perspective and detail effective approaches to address these behaviors. Method Clinical experience and review of the authors’ and other researchers’ findings provide consensus on numerous key aspects of physician disruptive behavior. Results Physicians demonstrating disruptive behavior are often distressed. The behavior should be understood as arising from biopsychosocial contributors, knowledge gaps, insight, and systems factors. These contributors are inclusive and may interact with each other. Conclusions A comprehensive approach is required which can include assessment/reassessment tools, individualized programming (therapy, coaching, instruction), deliberate practice, medical follow-up, and system intervention. Complications include the diversity of disruptive behaviors, the many contributory factors therein, disagreement about methodology/measurement, and the role of the system.