Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #107847

Timothy Keogh, PhD, Department of Health Systems Management, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave. SL29, New Orleans, LA 70124, 504-988-3837, tkeogh@tulane.edu

This SPIG submission presents insights and recommendations from two studies: first was a survey of 1700 physician executives on the frequency and impact of disruptive physician behavior in their organizations (conducted by the American College of Physician Executives, a 14,000 member professional organization); the second identified personal style preferences of 232 physician executives in the Master of Medical Management (MMM) degree program in the Department of Health Systems Management at Tulane University's School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. The MMM degree is designed for physicians who are assuming executive and leadership roles in the delivery of health services and who are committed to management as a major element of their professional careers. The “DiSC” style indicator survey instrument was used to determine their preference for Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness.

Findings:

Study on disruptive behavior: 35.6% said it happened more than monthly; 56.5% said it happened to nurses and physician assistants; 82.6% said the disruptive physician showed disrespect

Study on physician style: 49% preferred Dominance (motivated by control over their work environment, directing others, achieving specific goals); 29% preferred Conscientiousness (wanting to be right, working alone, preferring to work on tasks rather than dealing with people); 15% preferred Influence (motivated by interacting with others, giving and receiving immediate feedback, acknowledging emotions as well as facts); 7% preferred Steadiness (motivated by job security, predictability, and clearly defined expectations)

Understanding the prevalence of these preferences among physicians provides a functional approach for dealing with disruptive physician behavior.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate predominant physician style preferences, Create strategies for flexing to physician styles, Develop a collaborative work environment

Keywords: Evidence Based Practice, Conflict Resolution

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation