Reducing unprofessional behaviour in healthcare
This project is a controlled, mixed-methods study of the effectiveness of a behavioural accountability intervention to reduce unprofessional behaviours.
Project sponsors: National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership (GNT1134459) and St Vincent’s Health Australia
About the project
Unprofessional behaviour in healthcare is widespread, and significantly undermines the effective functioning of teams, staff wellbeing, patient experience and safety, and organisational productivity. These behaviours are associated with higher staff turnover, incidence of patient dissatisfaction, medicolegal risk and significant financial costs.
There is a pressing need for evidence-based interventions to reduce the prevalence of negative behaviour, minimise its impact on staff and patients, and normalise a culture of safety and respect.
The project:
- is a controlled, before and after study
- uses qualitative and quantitative methods
- will be conducted using surveys, interviews, direct observation, HR and patient outcome data linkage.
Project goals
The goal of this project is to assess the effectiveness of innovative structured staff behaviour and escalating accountability intervention, the Ethos program, to be rolled out across St Vincent’s Health Australia hospitals.
The study will assess the ability of the Ethos program to reduce unprofessional behaviours, improve the experience of staff, and improve the safety, experience and outcomes of patients. It will also identify enablers and barriers to Ethos program effectiveness and enhance spread and sustainability.
Project lead: Professor Johanna Westbrook
- Professor Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Dr Kate Churruca
- Professor Robyn Clay-Williams
- Honorary Professor Peter Hibbert
- Associate Professor Ling Li
- Dr Ryan McMullan
- Professor Rebecca Mitchell
- Dr Rachel Urwin
Other members and collaborators
- Professor Melissa Baysari
- Professor Ric Day – UNSW, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney
- Professor Sandy Middleton – Nursing Research Institute
- Professor David Scott – St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
- St Vincent’s Health Australia partner investigators
- Dr Natalie Taylor – NSW Cancer Council