Medical Professionalism Behaviors Tool

December 11, 2023

Medical Professionalism Behaviors Assessment Tool (MPB)

1. Conveys information to patients in a manner likely to be understood (e.g., language, speed, amount of information)
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Ensures comprehension of information through use of the “teach- back” technique
    • Directs patients to reliable websites containing health and disease information

2.  Attends to patient needs (e.g., physical comfort, emotional comfort, privacy) during examinations
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Example

    • Performs a history and physical exam adjusting to fit the patient’s cultural norms

3. Advocates for needs of patients in the face of system barriers
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Uses language services for non-English speaking patients through interpreters or the CyraCom phone
    • Persists in obtaining services of specialists when warranted
    • Contacts social agencies or social worker to secure support for patient (e.g. child protective services, homeless shelter)

4. Listens and responds to others respectfully and tactfully
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Considers cultural information in making diagnostic and therapeutic plans
    • Elicits and considers input by all members of the health care team as important to patient care
    • Presents difficult information to patients in a way that does not unnecessarily upset the patient

5. Maintains composure during difficult interactions
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Responds appropriately to comments that reflect stereotypes or biases about culture, ethnicity, gender, religion, physical appearance or other characteristics that may be different from those individuals providing care
    • Communicates with appropriate members of the professions when concerned about the capacity of a colleague

6. Works effectively as member of a team
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Follows up with the on-call team to find out what happened overnight with her patients
    • Provides information to the consulting physician necessary to maximize the value of the consultation
    • Inquires of nurse about family involvement in the patient’s care

7. Gives honest account of patient care activities
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • On rounds, admitted to not knowing test results rather than inventing findings
    • Records the physical examination without documenting aspects of the exam that were not performed

8. Maintains confidentiality of patient information
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Ensures the security of patient records (e.g., shreds sensitive material, logs out of computer when leaving workstation)
    • Does not discuss patients in public areas (e.g., hallways, elevators, social events)

9. Discusses patients in a respectful manner
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Refrains from using derogatory terms or describing patients with negative comments or comical phrases
    • Communicates with others the importance of empathy and compassion

10. Responds promptly to requests for assistance or information
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Responds promptly when paged or called
    • Reviews EMR and other triage databases and responds in a timely manner

11. Acknowledges limits of own knowledge or ability
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Contacts faculty promptly when a patient’s situation exceeds his or her expertise
    • Responds to a question with “I don’t know but I’ll look it up” when he or she doesn’t know the answer

12. Shows initiative for own learning
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Attends optional education conferences
    • Shares professional knowledge in group meetings

13. Consistently considers cultural information in making diagnostic and therapeutic plans
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Elicits information about alternative and complementary practices and how these may influence adherence to medications and other health decisions
    • Gathers sufficient information about family history to ensure appropriate diagnosis and is able to elicit sensitivities about discussing such diagnoses with family members if warranted

14. Assumes responsibility for own mistakes
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Admits ordering the wrong medication dosage rather than blaming the nurse or the pharmacy
    • Admits forgetting to follow-up on a test result rather than blaming the lab

15. Adheres to quality practices of the hospital
Rarely (1-19%) | Sometimes (20-39%) | Usually (40-80%) | Almost all the Time (80-99%) | Always (100%) | Unable to Access

Examples

    • Washes hands before and after seeing every patient
    • Participates in quality performance activities as required (e.g., NetLearning)

1Developed by P. Preston Reynolds, 2010, modified from NBME’s APB with use of the Physician’s Charter on Medical

Professionalism, and in consultation with UVA SOM Cultural Competency Steering Committee and UVA HRSA Title VII Pre- Doc Management Team.

Request full MPB Assessment Tool PDF.