Healthcare system demands physician leaders
Physician leadership is essential to a better overall healthcare system, according to a white paper published by the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE).
The paper, titled The Value of Physician Leadership, includes literature review and interviews with healthcare professionals. The paper shows that healthcare systems and hospitals perform better when physicians assume leadership roles.
For example, the top five hospitals as rated by U.S. News and World Report in 2013 are led by physicians and 10 of the 18 ranked by the magazine are physician-led. In addition, data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services show that 21 of the 29 Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) that saved enough to generate a bonus were physician-led.
The interviews with healthcare professionals revealed that physicians have a variety of traits that make them desirable leaders, including: an extensive knowledge of patient care; a shared history and a common language that give physician leaders credibility among their colleagues; and the respect and authority to win support for change.
The paper found the demand for physician leaders continues to grow as healthcare organizations are increasingly recognized for their medical performance instead of their operational acumen. It also identifies the key competencies necessary for physicians to realize their leadership potential and discusses the need for physicians to work closely with other healthcare professionals--both clinical and non-clinical--as the benefits of team-based care become more widely recognized.
Access the complete white paper here.
Editor
Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.