Labor Day Weekend Post #1: Hospitals Need to Do More to Protect Workers from Rudeness

There's a growing sense out there that we are experiencing a worldwide uptick in rudeness, probably brought on or at least exacerbated by COVID-related stress and isolation. It's a labor-and-employment issue for hospital managers, who have also seen an increase in workplace violence. Becker's Hospital Report picked up on a recent post in The Atlantic by Olgha Khazan in March 2022 ("Why People Are Acting So Weird") (may be free, but might be behind a paywall).

Mass General Brigham exemplifies the way back and the problem, in that order. They have enacted an explicit code of conduct for patients (and visitors?) to protect employees from rude and discriminatory behavior. Good. But: "On rare occasions, patients who violate this code may be asked to seek care elsewhere, the Somerville, Mass.-based health system said." On rare occasions . . . may be asked. Presumably only the worst behaviors will provoke the administrators to use the policies on their books to address unacceptable conduct.

The problem is a messy one. Hospitals tend to be places that can, and often do, bring out the worst in people. Pain, uncertainty, anxiety, loss of control . . . some folks deal with these stressors by lashing out. Health care professionals typical try to counsel patients and families unless there's a credible threat of violence. And safety-net hospitals are often loathe to evict patients because these institutions are the only option the patients have. 

On the other hand, a marked increase in rude and threatening and violent behaviors can't be treated in a business-as-usual manner. COVID-related stress and isolation is everywhere. We all need to have effective coping mechanisms. Hospitals are no different.