Study links bad behavior and malpractice claims

Researchers from Harvard found that physicians who treat their colleagues poorly are also involved in more medical malpractice claims. 

To conduct the study, 385 physicians from four academic centers underwent 360-degree evaluations from 2012-2103. They then found malpractice claims data for 264 of those physicians. Researchers analyzed 23 questions, highlighting both positive and negative behaviors. Surgeons who exhibited multiple positive behaviors, according to their 360-degree reviews, were less likely to have malpractice claims, while negative behaviors were generally associated with a greater likelihood of malpractice claims. 

“These findings highlight the importance of teamwork and communication in exposure to malpractice,” writes the study’s authors. “Although the nature of malpractice claims is complex and multifactorial, the identification and modification of negative physician behaviors may mitigate malpractice risk and ultimately result in the improved quality of patient care.”

Source: Annals of Surgery