After the event has occurred, there should be an established progressive series of interventions. Depending on the seriousness of the occurrence, the initial intervention should be performed by two or more senior members of the staff and administration in order to establish:

• The seriousness of the situation.
• That this represents a unified group decision.

Before the intervention occurs, a clear set of goals should be agreed upon. The intervention should allow for the following:

• Occur in a private, quiet, neutral setting - so both parties can leave when the intervention is finished.
• Sufficient time should be allotted.
• The physician should be assured of privacy and confidentiality.
• The information should be presented in a clear non-judgmental, empathetic manner. It should consist of specific, factual data. This information should be related to how it interfered with patient care and hospital function. Help should be offered.
• It should be carefully and clearly stated that the physician will be closely monitored to ensure that the behavior or similar behavior does not recur.
• The consequences of failure to change behavior should be explained.

The proceedings of the meeting should be fully documented. A copy of the minutes should be part of the physician’s personnel file.