Medical Professionalism Behaviors Assessment Tool (MPB)
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 information2. Attends to patient needs (e.g., physical comfort, emotional comfort, privacy) during examinations
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 Examples
Performs a history and physical exam, adjusting to fit the patient’s cultural norms
Advocates for the 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)
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
Developed 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.