Genovese syndrome is more commonly called the “bystander effect” (NEJM 2013; 368: 8-9).
“Genovese syndrome” was coined after the brutal stabbing of Catherine Genovese in Queens, NY on March 13, 1964. What was astonishing was that ~38 people either observed the attacks or heard the victim’s pleas for help and did nothing. This prompted a large amount of psychological research. The central factor identified as the reason for the bystander effect was the diffusion of responsibility.
Awareness of the bystander effect is increasingly important in medicine where large teams often are involved in the care of complex patients. Sometimes it is difficult even to answer “Who is my doctor?”
When many doctors are involved in the care of a patient, it is easy for a passive approach to patient care to develop. How can this be reversed?
- Bystanders are far more likely to intervene when they are friends with one another. Thus, encouraging collegial interactions is important.
- Understanding that oral communication, even briefly, with the primary care team is crucial. Written communication is useful for documentation, but important information should be relayed directly.
- An initiative by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, TeamSTEPPS (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety) may be helpful in improving. team-based skills (TeamSTEPPS Home)
Related Links:
gutsandgrowth 