It is hard to believe that 2018 is passing by so quickly. The spring season is now closing and we are leaping into summer. Of course, summer brings barbecues, fireworks, family, and fun! Still, time continues to push forward at a fast pace. The old saying certainly rings true in many facets in our lives, “Change is the only constant in life.”
Speaking to this change, I recently changed employers within the last couple of months. There are certainly differences between both organizations and there are many new things to learn, of course. While the organizations are different, there is one constant that rings true between both: the relationships with the physicians. At my previous organization, I worked arduously to cultivate a strong relationship built on communication and trust with my providers. In my new role, I am working to do that same thing. It is something that many of you are also tackling every day in your jobs.
Just like us, providers deal with the changes in healthcare that are constantly occurring. It can often be frustrating and stressful to deal with from an operational standpoint. The providers just want to take care of patients and we, as operators, just want to take care of our staff and providers. The physician/administrator relationship is so important. Just as it is important to enrich the soil in which a flower or plant grows, it is equally important to cultivate this relationship through communication, transparency, and trust. With the many changes that we all deal with in healthcare, it is important for that physician to have that steadfast constant in their life: their administrator.
I came across an article that I found to be very interesting. It discusses managing the relationship between the physician and the administrator. The mindset of the physician and the mindset of the administrator are not always in-sync. Even with different mindsets, working together is absolutely crucial. Here are some other concepts that the article states that are particularly worth mentioning:
- Instead of discussing how to “manage a physician,” it is more appropriate to address how the physician and administrator can work together
- Both parties must focus on the practice’s mission as it relates to providing quality patient care, as well as maintaining a healthy business
- Understand that both the clinical and administrative roles are equally important
- Effective communication must take place
- Acceptance of the each individual and the role
- Maintaining a clear focus on what is ahead
Team-based healthcare delivery relies on a cohesive relationship between operational leadership and clinicians. One cannot succeed in this ever-changing industry without the other. I felt that this article brought out several important points that are paramount in our daily duties. As leaders, we must build a relationship with a sturdy foundation with our physicians. Only together will we be able to wade through this complex industry. Only together will we find success. Only together will be enhance the patient experience. I highly recommend that each of you read this article in its entirety. As 2017 comes to a close, let’s prepare ourselves for a fresh start and a new year by working hard to engage our physicians and work together.
Source
Dahl, O. (2014, April 2). Managing physician and administrator relations. Retrieved from Physicians Practice: http://www.physicianspractice.com/partnerships/managing-physician-and-administrator-relations