Ask the expert: How do you outline a behavioral contract?

If a physician runs into an imposing hurdle that causes angry and/or disruptive behavior, deals can be struck. Striking a deal with the medical staff leader is one way to clear that hurdle, if the physician is willing to control his/her anger.

Drawing up a behavioral contract is one way to quantify expectations as it relates to anger management on a specific issue. A discussion on the matter should take place first. If both parties agree to the contract, it should include:

·         The reason for the discussion

·         The agreement both parties arrive at after a thorough discussion

·         Each person’s obligation to fulfill the agreement in a measureable way

·         Positive consequences of meeting mutual obligations

·         Negative consequences of failing to meet mutual obligations

Make sure both parties sign the agreement to provide the basis for future management.

This week’s question and answer are from A Practical Guide to Managing Disruptive and Impaired Physicians, Second Edition by R. Dean White, DDS, MS and Jonathan H. Burroughs, MD, MBA, FACPE, CMSL.