Why Physician Engagement Is an Essential Part of Your Health System’s Equation
// By Lisa D. Ellis //
With a predicted shortage of physicians over the next several years, and increasing concern over physician burnout, a group of savvy thought leaders are focusing on improving physician satisfaction and engagement.
Physicians are responsible for making most decisions related to patient care. Yet medical staff members often aren’t involved in the broader decision-making process around their organization’s daily operations. This can result in a lack of physician engagement, which has been a pressing problem in the medical field in recent years.
As an increasing number of doctors are retiring or getting out of the business, even as the aging population in the U.S. is growing, health care systems must find new ways to step up their physician engagement efforts, attracting and retaining the most talented physicians and keeping their service lines competitive.
The Need for Physician Buy-In
Dianne McCallister, chief medical officer, Medical Center of Aurora
“If the physicians who do all of the work are not involved in the decision-making process, you aren’t going to get far,” explains Dianne McCallister, chief medical officer, Medical Center of Aurora in Colorado. More than a decade ago, after recognizing this industry-wide disconnect, she decided to make it her mission to try to change things.