Need For Better Physician-Administration Relations Based On Experiences Of Nearly 28,000 Physicians, New Report

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 26 Jul 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Press Ganey Associates' 2008 Hospital Check-Up Report: Physician Perspectives on American Hospitals finds that there continues to be a gap in the physician-administration relationship, and physicians report a need for administrators to be more responsive to the ideas and needs of medical staff. The report also finds surgeons and critical care specialists to be the least satisfied medical staff, while pathologists and rehabilitation specialists are most satisfied with the quality of patient care, ease of practice, and equipment provided.

The 2008 Hospital Check-Up Report examines the experiences of 27,671 physicians practicing at more than 300 hospitals and facilities across the country. Significant findings from the Report include:

-- Physicians feel most satisfied with patient care followed by ease of practice, overall assessment, and relationship with leadership.

-- Surgeons are least satisfied with operating rooms and complications with scheduling outpatient tests/therapy and inpatient/outpatient surgery.

-- Physicians report relatively low levels of satisfaction with access to patient information and staff reports on patient conditions.

-- Physicians practicing in rural areas are the most satisfied while those practicing in cities, large or small, are least satisfied.

-- Physicians practicing between 6 - 20 years are the least satisfied, and are the most likely to launch physician-owned facilities.

"A true partnership between administrators and physicians advances the quality of patient care, improves the hospital's financial performance, and retains talented physicians in an increasingly competitive environment," said Debbie Paller, vice president of physician and employee services, Press Ganey. "Acknowledging and respecting physicians' needs is the first step in building an open, mutually beneficial relationship."

Many organizations have recognized the return on investment of improving physician satisfaction--including increased and improved communication between physicians and administration and increased ratings of "relationship with leadership"--and are actively working to continue to improve. Successful programs range from implementing newsletters "for physicians, by physicians," new physician luncheons with the executive team, and monthly breakfasts with the CEO in the Doctors' Lounge.

-- The 2008 Hospital Check-Up Report: Physician Perspectives on American Hospitals (PDF). Press Ganey Associates, Inc.

For more than twenty years, Press Ganey has been committed to providing insight that allows health care organizations to improve the quality of care they provide while improving their bottom-line results. The company offers the largest comparative customer feedback databases, actionable data, solution resources, and unparalleled consulting and customer service.

Press Ganey currently partners with more than 7,000 health care facilities--including over 40% of U.S. hospitals--to measure and improve the quality of their care.

Source:
Abby Szklarek
Press Ganey Associates, Inc.
www.pressganey.com