Background and Purpose. Studies indicate that in academic and clinical settings medical students are exposed to others' speaking negatively (badmouthing) about physicians who practice certain specialty areas. The purposes of this study were to determine physical therapist students' perceptions of the prevalence of badmouthing of health care professionals by physical therapist (PT) clinical instructors (CI) and their reactions regarding this behavior.Subjects. A total of 229 PT students from 2 doctor of physical therapy (DPT) programs participated in this study. The majority of students were female and the mean age was 25. Multiple types of internship settings were included. The clinic sites were located in 25 states.Methods. An electronic survey instrument was developed by the authors. Student, site, and CI demographic data were collected. Questions included incidence and nature of perceived badmouthing, professionals being badmouthed, and student reaction.Results. In this study, 33% of the students reported hearing their CI badmouth another health care professional, and 61% of those students indicated that it occurred 2 or more times during the clinical experience. No action was taken by 79% of the students that heard the badmouthing.Characteristics of CIs who badmouthed included 5 years or less of CI experience, less than 35 years of age, and not G-credentialed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Nurses, physicians, and chiropractors were the 3 most prevalent health care professions that were badmouthed.Discussion and Conclusion. Badmouthing or denigrating comments about health care professionals is in direct conflict with the APTA's Core Values and Code of Ethics. The results indicate that students are observing perceived badmouthing incidences and not taking action. Professionalism and positive interdisciplinary collaboration among health care professionals are necessary components of the holistic approach for optimal patient management. Mentoring of PT students is a responsibility that all PTs share whether they are in academia or in the clinical setting.Key Words: Badmouthing, Clinical education, Professionalism, Physical therapy.BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEProfessionalism and positive interprofessional collaboration among health care personnel are necessary components of the holistic approach for optimal patient management. However, there is evidence in the literature that some health professionals demonstrate a lack of respect and professionalism by speaking negatively about other health care professions and professionals, including those in one's own discipline.15 This negative language is termed badmouthing, which is defined in the literature as "unwarranted, negative, denigrating, even sarcastic comments."3p576 An additional feature of badmouthing is its nonconstructive nature.2The rationale for the badmouthing behavior is unclear, and it occurs despite specific codes defining professional conduct within the health care professions that prohibit such behavior.610 Principle 7 in the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics states that "occupational therapy personnel shall treat colleagues and other professionals with respect, fairness, discretion, and integrity."9 The Code of Ethics for Nurses indicates an appreciation for the unique roles health care professionals provide and states that "the nurse maintains compassionate and caring relationships with colleagues and others with a commitment to fair treatment of individuals."10 Physical therapists also have adopted Core Values6 and a Code of Ethics7 that define professionalism and illustrate appropriate behavior. The "Social Responsibility" core value includes the participation "in collaborative relationships with other health practitioners and the public at large."6 The first principle in the Code of Ethics indicates that "physical therapists shall respect the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals. …
