A professional development course improves unprofessional physician behavior.

The Joint Commission has stated that “intimidating and disruptive behaviors” can result in medical errors that affect patient care and safety. In this study a 35-item, web-based survey was administered to physicians—and peers, colleagues, administrators, and staff— before and after they completed a professional development program on unprofessional physician behaviors. Results indicate that physician behavior can be positively modified by a relatively brief education program.