8 DECEMBER 2024IN MY OPINIONHealth systems and physician organizations face significant challenges today, especially in primary care. Catastrophic levels of physician burnout and an anticipated shortage of up to 55,200 primary care doctors in the next decade are urgent issues that demand attention. Moreover, many health systems and physician organizations currently face financial struggles, exacerbating this already challenging situation.As the chief medical officer of a physician enterprise that has achieved a remarkable 98% retention rate for our physicians and consistently high levels of quality in care delivery, I can attest that it is possible to keep physicians engaged and connected to the joy of practicing medicine even in today's challenging environment.Here are three key strategies that have proven effective in promoting physician satisfaction and retention.CREATE A STRUCTURE FOR PHYSICIAN AND CLINICIAN PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKINGIncluding the clinical staff in the decision-making process for new workflows or policies, new technology, and organizational changes is critical for success and can lead to greater professional satisfaction, higher rates of retention, and a deeper connection and affinity to the strategic direction and success of the organization. I saw this firsthand in a prior role when our physician practice needed to select and implement an electronic medical records (EMR) system. Typically, EMRs have long implementation times. However, by setting up a technology committee with subject matter experts and physician involvement, we achieved a 100% paperless system within 90 days of implementation.Establishing a comprehensive framework for physician participation at all levels is paramount. At Esse Health, we ensure physicians are actively involved in every aspect, from the Board to various committees. Our structure incorporates a Clinical Council consisting of Department Chairs and Operations leadership, which serves as a communication conduit and oversees the work of all other committees. We have also implemented committees such as the Performance Improvement Committee and the Physician Success Task Force, collaborating closely with physicians to identify innovative solutions to identified challenges. This approach has revolutionized our physician engagement and empowerment. INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY WITH PHYSICIAN WORKFLOWSBy incorporating technology into physician workflows, my organization has optimized patient care, streamlined administrative processes, and improved communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals.Effective technology implementation in physician practices often requires customized solutions aligning with existing workflows or creating new workflows that improve current processes. It's about understanding the technology capabilities and how they will be applied practically in daily patient care and practices. Fostering a Culture Where Physicians Thrive: Achieving High Professional Satisfaction and Delivering Exceptional Quality CareBy Rishi Sud, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Esse HealthRishi Sud
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