An Exploration of Deference Behaviours Exhibited within the Paediatric Resuscitation Environment

Abstract

Healthcare professionals’ deference to physician expertise has been observed across a variety of clinical settings. Although such behaviour often results in appropriate and efficient patient care, deference can become detrimental when an inappropriate order or action goes unchallenged. This study aimed to identify the underlying factors influencing deference behaviours exhibited within the paediatric resuscitation environment. Through a three-phase study design and thematic analysis approach informed by principles of grounded theory, six overarching factors were found to influence deference behaviours: factors located outside the resuscitation environment, factors located inside the resuscitation environment, individual characteristics, mental state and experience, cognition, and motivation. Together these six factors were found to influence deference and its associated actions and responses (obedience, conformity, compromise, and rejection). The identification of these factors and this novel understanding of deference could potentially guide healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers in the development of strategies to mitigate instances of compromised patient care.x