Defense Attorneys Discover Executive Coaching for Disruptive Physicians

Hospitals nationwide are moving expeditiously to clear out the backlog of physicians whose workplace behavior fits the JCAHO description of “disruptive physicians”. The Joint Commission has defined "the disruptive physician as one whose interpersonal skills are aggressive, hostile, threatening, demeaning, provocative or harmful to patient safety and professional team cooperation".

Some physicians misunderstand the real intentions of the new JCAHO "disruptive physician" standards. These physicians incorrectly perceive the new standards as anti-physician rather pro-physician and pro-patient, designed to improve patient care, staff morale and reduce medical errors, legal liability and the creation of hostile work environments.

Defense Attorneys have quickly realized that is in the best interest of their "disruptive physician" clients to embrace, rather than legally challenge, referrals to Executive Coaching/Anger Management programs. These programs are positive interventions designed to address these issues.

In recent weeks, Anderson & Anderson has seen a dramatic increase in the number of physician referrals to its Executive Coaching/Anger Management Program for "disruptive physicians". This is consistent with the experience of the two major programs for "disruptive physicians".

Unfortunately, since the AMA and other medical organizations do not list resources for disruptive physicians on their websites, it is often left to defense attorneys to find acceptable resources for these doctors.

Currently, the three most reputable programs for disruptive physicians are:

-UCSD PACE Program, www.paceprogram.ucsd.edu/

-The Program for Distressed Physicians, Vanderbilt University,
www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/root/vumc.php?site=cph&doc=16001

-Anderson & Anderson Executive Coaching/Anger Management Program,
www.andersonservices.com


George Anderson, MSW, BCD, CAMF, CEAP
Diplomate, American Association of Anger Management Providers
Anderson & Anderson®, The Trusted Name in Anger Management
http://www.andersonservices.com/
http://www.aaamp.org
http://www.linkedin.com/in/geoanderson
www.anger-management-resources.org