Addressing Disruptive Behavior by Implementing a Code of Professionalism to Transform Hospital Culture

After the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) report,¹ numerous initiatives have focused on improving patient safety. This article discusses quality improvement projects piloted in two hospitals (one unionized and the other nonunionized) to create and implement a code of professionalism addressing disruptive behavior, transforming organizational culture, and improving staff retention and patient safety. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has identified disruptive and intimidating behaviors as a threat to patient safety and increasing untoward, preventable outcomes and medical errors.² The best organizations in the nation have established codes of conduct or professionalism.