Hospital administrators understand that positive relations with the physician community are an important element in their efforts to achieve the strategic goals and objectives of their institution. A key in this endeavor is the alignment of mission and goals between the hospital and the medical staff. In addition to the establishment and pursuit of wanted professional goals for the medical staff, an effective PSRP will result in increased confidence by patients in the hospital's ability to deliver high quality care and will enhance physicians' sensitivity to the hospital's non-clinical issues. Further high quality hospital/physician relations will help the institution manage its internal cost controls, compliance activities, positively impact medical error reduction initiatives, disease management programs, clinical integration, negotiating with managed care entities and community outreach programs.

To this end and to begin laying the foundations for a new strategic relations paradigm supporting an outstanding environment for both professionals and patients, we recommend the hospital undertake a Physicians Strategic Relations Program (PSRP). The key to the success of such a program is having a clear understanding of the present physicians relations environment. To this end, a PSRP "benchmarking" process is the jumping off point.

Some of the Benefits to the Institution:

a. Enables the hospital determine physicians' "hot buttons", perceived problems, opportunities, clinical and other needs.

b. Demonstrates to physicians the hospital's genuine concerns.

c. Enables the hospital to redirect scarce resources by redesigning existing physician oriented programs to be more focused and cost effective.

I. Helps the hospital identify a range of projects and services that can be tailored to the specific needs of their physicians.

II. Helps administration integrate the strategic plan and implementation program for physician relations into to the overall institutional strategic plan, goals and objectives.

Benchmarking Process

Health Q Associates conduct one-on-one interviews with physicians. The quality of the information is enhanced, further maximizing the value of subsequent steps when an unbiased 3d party conducts the initial evaluation. Physicians feel more comfortable speaking openly to consultants, having been assured of the confidentiality of their remarks. Prior to the interviews we meet with hospital senior administrators to get a detailed understanding of the actual situation in the community. This helps tailor the interview agenda to local circumstances. Interview outlines are reviewed in advance with hospital staff.

a. Interviews as opposed to surveys will assure that there will be relevant questions and more in-depth probing where appropriate. This also assures the full participation of the physicians.

b. Interviewees should be most if not all the physicians who are more than occasional admitters to the institution. Particular attention is devoted to the core active medical staff.

c. Each interview will be between 45 minutes to one hour in length with time for follow up questions. 

At the end of the interviews we prepare a Summary Report of findings, recommendations and suggested next steps. The Report will identify actual and future physician leaders and will take note of individual issues as they may impact the hospital in its endeavor to develop improved relationships. The Report will ontain a summary of key issues and recommendations as a function of the interviews. We focus on areas of agreement and potential collaboration and take careful note of areas of disagreement with suggestions for resolutions.

The Executive Summary Report will specifically explore whether the physicians on the medical staff understand and subscribe to the mission of the hospital and if not, what are some specific recommended steps to consider to bring about a positive change.

Our recommendations are focused on furthering the improvement and cementing of good relationships between the hospital and its physicians based on a New Strategic Relations Paradigm.

A formal presentation of the Summary Report at a Summation Conference is an integral part of this project. At such a conference, hospital administrators have an opportunity to follow up with Senior Consultants and members of the Project Management Team on methodology, outcomes and review recommended next steps.

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