December Journal: Study on the effect of the pandemic on professionalism in the perioperative environment
The December issue of the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety features a study on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on professionalism in the perioperative environment. Included in the study were reports of professionalism-related events (PRE), such as disruptive behavior, disrespectful communication, and institutional policy violations.
The article – “Strategies to Mitigate the Pandemic Aftermath on Perioperative Professionalism,” is authored by Crystal C. Wright, MD, FASA; Maureen D. Triller, DrPH, PMP, PHR, CMQ; Anne S. Tsao, MD, MBA; et al, and was conducted at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The retrospective comparative cohort study covers three periods: pre-pandemic, pandemic, and an interventional endemic phase (from Sept. 1, 2011, to March 31, 2023).
The study showed a statistically significant increase in the incidence of PREs during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic and endemic periods. During the study period, the authors identify 264 PRE (1.5%): 114 PRE (mean 1.1/month) in the pre-pandemic period, 121 PRE (mean 4.5/month) in the pandemic period, and 29 PRE (mean 2.9/month) in the endemic phase.
The study underscores the importance of implementing professionalism interventions in healthcare work environments to mitigate negative consequences from professionalism lapses. The proposed interventions include a structured, nonjudgmental reporting platform; wellness resources; mental health services; transparent communication; and workplace efficiency policies. The study intervention included the application of the Vanderbilt Professionalism Escalation Model, a framework developed by the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine to promote professional behaviors in healthcare providers.
The December issue of the Journal also includes an editorial, “Supporting Professionalism in a Crisis Requires Leadership and a Well-Developed Plan,” by Gerald B. Hickson, MD. In the editorial, Hickson states that organizations that commit to high reliability and safety have a responsibility to build and sustain intentionally designed systems and support accountable professionals who share a commitment with others to deliver safe, high-quality care while modeling respect for patients, coworkers, and established safety practices. In addition, he states: “As the authors point out, professionalism promotes psychological safety, trust, and teamwork. That said, medical practice is stressful, and all professionals are subject to lapses. Within a crisis, however, stress levels may rise and perhaps patience and levels of tolerance fall.”
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