Question

Stephen, a hospital administrative consultant, selected a complex case on the 10th-floor orthopedic unit for review. Stephen reviewed the patient's record. Following several questions about the patient's care, a staff nurse asked, "Would you like Dr. Williams, the orthopedist, to discuss this case with you?" Stephen said, "Sure, that will be fine." Dr. Williams soon arrived and appeared a bit disturbed that he had been summoned. Stephen introduced himself and said that he just had a few questions he would like to ask. Stephen asked Dr. Williams which diagnoses the patient relayed to the organization at the time of admission and which diagnoses were made during the course of the patient's hospitalization. Dr. Williams said, "I am treating the patient for her orthopedic problems, not all of these other diagnoses." Following a few questions with the physician, Stephen asked to interview the patient. Dr. Williams agreed, "OK." Stephen asked, "Could you please ask the patient if I could speak with her?" Dr. Williams said, "That's not necessary." Dr. Williams and Stephen walked to the entrance of the patient's room. Stephen waited outside the patient's room. Dr. Williams walked into the patient's room, returned to the hallway, and said, "The patient was sleeping, but I woke her up."

Upon entry to the patient's room, realizing Dr. Williams had forgotten Stephen's name, Stephen introduced himself to the patient. Dr. Williams asked Stephen if he wanted him to leave the room. Stephen, politely, said, "You can stay if you would like."

The patient said, "Oh, I know what you do. My husband is a nurse." Stephen smiled and asked about her care. She said that it was excellent. She said the food could be better but she was pleased with her overall care. She talked about her hip fracture and back problems. Dr. Williams, interrupting the conversation, proceeded to tell the patient about her orthopedic issues. He described in explicit and frightening detail how the discs in her back were collapsing and how things could progress and how she could eventually be confined to a wheelchair.

Following his brief conversation with the patient, Stephen said, "You will be all right." The patient smiled and said, "Thank you." Upon leaving the room, Dr. Williams asked, "What kind of doctor are you?" Stephen replied, "I am not a doctor; I am an administrative consultant." Not having listened to Stephen's answer, Dr. Williams said in a threatening manner, just outside the patient's room, "Don't you ever tell one of my patients they are going to be OK!" Stephen said calmly, "I was not speaking clinically; I was relating a compassionate goodbye to the patient." Stephen then extended his hand to Dr. Williams, saying, "Thank you for your time." Dr. Williams shook Stephen's hand and then quickly walked away down the corridor.

A) What action, if any, should the hospital consider taking to investigate the physician's behavior? Discuss your answer. Be specific.

Answer 1

Dr Williams behavior is not acceptable. When Dr Williams asked on Mr Stephens that "what kind of doctor are you" , shows that he didn't even know , with whom he was talking. Proper introduction and understanding is very important in patient care. Always never introduce a stranger to patient without patients permission. Dr Williams disturbed the patient while she was asleep.This is not a right mannerism. Always respect patient's feelings.Listening is most important in patient care.Compassionate care is very important. Dr Williams activities shows that he should learn discipline , communication and compassionate Care. Hospital can take disciplinary action against Dr Williams. Hospital can consider the following points while investigation:

1. Dr Williams should know about patient's all health problems not only the problems related to his speciality.

2. When Mr Stephens asked Dr Williams to ask permission from the patient to meet her,Dr Williams replied that not necessary. He must need to get permission before meeting the patient.

3.Dr Williams woke up the patient when she was sleeping. Never disturb the patient unless there is important.

4.Dr Williams interrupted the patient while she talking about her over all care. But Dr Williams insisted her to talk about her orthopedic problems and treatment. He should allow her to talk about everything and he should give her enough time to express her feelings.

4. When Mr Stephens said to patient that "you will be alright" Dr Williams misunderstood and threatened him. In a hospital setting not only to the patient, he should maintain a good Harmony of relationship with everyone.

By considering all these mistakes done by Dr Williams , the hospital can take necessary actions against him to avoid this kind of attitude and behavior in future.