La Pine: It's time time to make professionalism part of assessment

The Joint Commission recently issued a statement regarding the impact to performance and patient safety when medical staff demonstrates intimidating and disruptive behaviors.  TJC indicates that such behavior can lead to medical errors, contribute to poor patient satisfaction, increase the cost of care, and be the reason some professionals would chose new positions. 

For those of us responsible for credentialing and privileging, it is reassuring to know that rude and intimidating behavior is not acceptable.  I’ve encouraged my staff to write a “Note to File” whenever a practitioner behaves inappropriately.  This information is then shared with the Department Chair when the completed file is reviewed and also noted to the Credentials Committee during their evaluation. At first this type of information was given only a quick glance.  Today it is taken much more seriously. 

We all realize the time required to complete the credentialing process and how it can be frustrating to eager-to-start practitioners.  However, MSPs, as well as nursing and other support service staff, should not endure bad behavior.  It is time to make professionalism part of our assessment of practitioners’ qualifications. 

Carole La Pine, MSA, CPMSM, CPCS