Columbia released a report this week outlining the findings of an independent investigation it commissioned nearly two and a half years ago into the "institutional failures" that enabled convicted sex-offender and former OB-GYN Robert Hadden to sexually assault more than 500 patients. The 156-page report—conducted independently—was released after New York Attorney General Leticia James launched an investigation into the handling of allegations against Hadden by the University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, collectively referred to as "the Institutions" in the report. Following the release of the report, two top administrators at the institutions who played a role in deciding to allow Hadden to continue seeing patients after his 2012 arrest will be exiting their positions. The report identifies three key factors which permitted Hadden's abuse: the institutions' ineffective assigning of staff observation during sensitive examinations and inadequate training for these observers, known as chaperones; obstacles which prevented patients and staff from reporting sexual misconduct; and the institutions' failure to respond to reports it did receive. Following the completion of the report, Dr. Mary D'Alton is stepping down from her role as chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Dr. Lee Goldman, former dean of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Medicine and CEO of the medical center, will retire. Both D'Alton and Goldman played a role in deciding to allow Hadden to continue seeing patients after his 2012 arrest, according to the report.
In a social media landscape shaped by hashtags, algorithms, and viral posts, nurse leaders must decide: Will they let the narrative spiral, or can they adapt and join the conversation?
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