Community hospitals can strengthen bonds with physicians through proactive engagement that is genuine and mutually beneficial. Foremost, it’s optimal to consider the physician point of view, from their clinical practice and other commitments, to perks that may drive growth strategies long-term for all parties.

When physicians understand how working together with the hospital can help them provide better care for their patients, it’s a win-win. Among the benefits cited by physicians and healthcare system leaders in a HealthLeaders survey on physician alignment, positive outcomes can be:

• Greater confidence in hospital leadership
• An increased rate of “buy-in” and support from providers overall
• Improved physician retention
• Quality and financial gains
• Care redesign
• A spirit of partnership caring for community residents fostering continued collaboration.

Physician engagement recommendations

Here are some fundamental ideas on how to create a physician-friendly environment leading to quantifiable results.

First, take every opportunity to educate your providers on the hospital’s strategic initiatives. Secondly, diversify the group of physician champions that support your hospital. Whether they are independent practitioners or employed physicians, virtually every healthcare organization can name their “physician champions,” individuals who are positive supporters of the hospital and routinely take on a variety of roles even as they strive to manage their own clinical and personal responsibilities. Consider expanding the number of providers on your medical staff as supporters and advocates; recruit untapped physicians to committees, task forces, and strategic planning teams. Their perspectives and involvement can enhance buy-in to shared goals – the very initiatives they help create.

Reinforce the significance of physician-hospital collaboration in strategy development with data. Provide market-specific information, statistics and facts to support SMART goal setting. Communicate progress and results regularly. Actionable data creates behavioral change. As always, respect everyone’s time and priorities.

Another key to facilitating physician alignment and hospital engagement is to recognize the role of physicians in planning efforts, being mindful of their demanding schedules. Consider meetings outside of clinical time. Develop and schedule a retreat to accomplish objectives. Offer complimentary lunch-and-learn programs. Perhaps send a gift basket to physicians as a thank-you for taking part in discussions and meetings. Physician engagement and alignment enhances the symbiotic relationship between the hospital and provider, achieving positive outcomes that benefit the community they serve.

For a hospital just beginning physician alignment efforts, think about bringing in a consultant to facilitate the planning process to ensure adoption, implementation and success the first time around, creating a roadmap for future projects.

For more information, see CHC Physician Alignment Strategies.