Objective
This study was to determine the frequency of disruptive behavior on labor and delivery
units, its effect on work performance, and its contribution to adverse outcomes.
Study Design
One hundred questionnaires were sent to nurse managers of labor and delivery units
in selected hospitals in Washington, Oregon, and California regarding the occurrence
of disruptive behavior and the consequences of this behavior with respect to patient
safety.
Results
Fifty-six percent of questionnaires were returned. Disruptive behavior was currently
occurring on 60.7% of the units. Multiple professionals demonstrated the behavior.
Nurses had left the unit and there were reported adverse outcomes as a consequence
of this behavior.
Conclusion
Disruptive behavior occurs frequently on labor and delivery units on the West Coast.
This behavior contributed to the nursing shortage, near misses, and adverse occurrences,
and was exhibited by a broad range of professionals. The behavior was not always effectively
managed by the organization.
Key words
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References
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References
- The SBAR Technique: Improves Communication, Enhances Patient Safety. 2005: 5 (2)
- Silence Kills.Vital Smarts, Crucial Conversations. 2005
- Problem Doctors: Is There a System-Level Solution?.Annals of Internal Medicine. 2006; 144: 107-115
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
March 2,
2007
Received in revised form:
October 29,
2006
Received:
August 21,
2006
Footnotes
Cite this article as: Veltman LL. Disruptive behavior in obstetrics: a hidden threat to patient safety. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2007;196:587.e1-587.e5.
Identification
Copyright
© 2007 Mosby, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
