Legal Update
LU
2 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7
Here are some definitive steps you can take to build a "culture of
safety" at your facility.
q 1. Develop a written code of conduct that sets clear expectations
of appropriate behavior, including respect, and which defines
(and lists examples of) disruptive and intimidating behavior.
q 2. Incorporate this code of conduct into employment agree-
ments and your facility's medical staff bylaws.
q 3. Educate all facility employees and staff, including physicians,
as to appropriate behavior and communication at orientation
and periodically thereafter. You can also address stress
management and conflict-resolution techniques, effectively
giving a voice to all team members.
q 4. Insist that facility leadership (administrative and clinical)
model positive behavior themselves.
q 5. Develop a system for reporting bullying behavior, including
an anonymous option. Reporting should be seen as helping
to maintain quality and safety. Encourage reporting without
fear of retaliation; this includes witnesses reporting bullying
they have observed. Employees should know whom to con-
tact in order to report a concern.
q 6. Assess and investigate all reports of bullying; take each
report seriously. Provide support to the bullying victim as
appropriate. Ask the alleged perpetrator to provide his or her
side of the story. Sometimes there are different sides to (and
perceptions of) the same event. Interview witnesses, too.
q 7. Have policies and procedures in place to outline responses
and potential sanctions for staff, employees and non-
WHAT YOU CAN DO
8 Steps to Creating a Bully-Free Surgical Facility
