News: Surgeons most likely to behave unprofessionally, study shows

Surgeons are the physician group most likely to be reported for unprofessional behavior, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open. On the other hand, the study found that physicians practicing in pediatric settings are the least likely to be reported for the same. Overall, fewer than 10% of physicians were reported by their coworkers for at least one instance of unprofessional behavior, and only 1% showed a pattern of such reports, Medscape Medical News reported.

The study gathered data from the Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy's (CPPA's) Coworker Observation Reporting System (CORS) program, which files safety-event reports involving medical workers' unprofessional behaviors from 193 participating hospitals and practice sites nationwide. It filtered data from credentialed physicians (not including residents or fellows) who practiced at a CORS site between 2018 and 2022.

Among the out-of-bounds behaviors reported, the most common involved disrespectful communication or lack of professional responsibility, while the least common involved unprofessionalism related to medical care or professional integrity. As to why surgeons were reported most often, the study’s authors speculated that surgery is a more stressful environment than other specialties and requires more teamwork, resulting in more interactions during high-stakes events.

“When things that are outside the control of the surgeon don't go well, that can lead to increased frustration and negative emotions, which will then bring out these kinds of behaviors,” Daniel Katz, MD, professor and vice chair of education for the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, told Medscape Medical News. He also pointed out that the current healthcare environment, with its increased administrative burdens, lack of staffing, and other problems, has increased the overall level of stress and led to burnout among healthcare personnel.

Editor’s note: To read Medscape Medical News’ coverage of this story, click here. To access the JAMA study, click here.