Arrogance and Etiquette

There are two interesting pieces in the New York Times today on physician's attitudes and communication in the workplace, and the effects on quality of care.

"Arrogant, Abusive and Disruptive - and a Doctor" discusses how the intimidating and aggressive attitudes of some doctors lead to errors in care. Staff working with aggressive physicians feel they do not have the right to speak up about problems with care and may be shouted down if they do. The article also discusses institutional responses to the problem, including communication requirements in medical schools and increasing enforcement of hospital codes of conduct.

In a related column, "The Six Habits of Highly Respectful Physicians", Michael W. Kahn, a Boston area psychiatrist, advocates for basic etiquette training for physicians.

It's nice to see these key issues of communication receiving some attention from the press.