---
title: "Disruptive Patient Behavior: Mitigation and Management Strategies"
description: "Read our latest Claims Rx Issue, \"Disruptive Patient Behavior: Mitigation and Management Strategies\" today."
image: https://files.norcal-group.com/hubfs/Email/Claims_Rx/2022/April-May/M5555_ClaimsRx_AprMay2022_CoverPage.jpg
---

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# [***CLAIMS Rx*** DIRECTORY](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx)

## RISK MANAGEMENT PUBLICATION

# Disruptive Patient Behavior: Mitigation and Management Strategies

April 2022

Disruptive patient behavior, particularly violence, is a growing problem that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Difficult or violent patients pose an obvious risk to physician and staff well-being. They also can undermine their own health by impacting the medical decision-making process, and they may be more likely to pursue malpractice lawsuits. The case studies in this month’s publication are based on closed professional liability claims and Risk Management Department calls from insureds. These scenarios provide the basis for risk reduction strategies that can be used to identify catalysts to patient agitation and violence, de-escalate disruptive behavior, and appropriately follow up difficult patient encounters. Ideally, these strategies will mitigate or prevent incidents, so no one gets hurt and patients receive the healthcare they need and reasonably expect.

| **CASE ONE** Failure to Document Disruptive Behavior **RISK REDUCTION STRATEGIES** Documentation of Disruptive Behavior **CASE TWO** Failure to Use De-escalation Strategies **RISK REDUCTION STRATEGIES** Disruptive Behavior Mitigation and Response | **CASE THREE** Termination of Treatment Without Notice for Verbal Abuse **CASE FOUR** Delayed Termination of Treatment After Sexual Harassment **RISK REDUCTION STRATEGIES** Rehabilitation of Disruptive Patients |
| --- | --- |

 

**Related Topics:** [Dangerous Patients](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/dangerous-patients), [Communication](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/communication), [Difficult Patient](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/difficult-patient), [Termination](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/termination), [Documentation](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/documentation), [Physician-Patient Relationship](https://www.norcal-group.com/claimsrx/tag/physician-patient-relationship)

bullying, workplace bullying, disrespect, horizontal hostility, relational aggression, lateral violence, mobbing, incivility, disruptive behavior, workplace violence, insidious intimidation,

![Disruptive Patient Behavior](https://files.norcal-group.com/hubfs/Email/Claims_Rx/2022/April-May/M5555_ClaimsRx_AprMay2022_CoverPage.jpg "Disruptive Patient Behavior")

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