Love is in the air--and in a policy

If you’ve seen the TV shows ER, Grey’s Anatomy, or House, you’ve seen just how disruptive a love affair (or love affair gone wrong) in the healthcare setting can be. Hospitals can have policies in place prohibiting staff members from having more than a professional relationship, but there is no way of monitoring individuals’ behavior outside of work. Therefore, hospitals and other healthcare settings should take a more proactive approach to manage the relationships that will inevitably happen, according to AMedNews.com. According to the April 11 article, policies should cover harassment, conflict of interest, nepotism, and workplace conduct, and it is up to individuals to understand and adhere to those policies. If problems arise, the hospital or healthcare facility should consider educational seminars, counseling, and disciplinary action, as appropriate.

For more tips on handling close relationships within the medical staff, check out "All in the family: Effectively manage conflicts of interest that hit home" in Medical Staff Briefing.