When physicians and hospitals collaborate, both parities benefit. Physician liaisons can act as the cornerstone to enhance engagement and facilitate this collaboration.
This is what Bryan Chandler, vice president of business development at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas in Beaumont, wrote in a blog post for Dallas-based Community Hospital Corporation. While "feeling engaged" is a vital component of job satisfaction, Mr. Chandler said physician shortages and high competition to attract the best physicians can hinder engagement. Onboarding a physician liaison can act as a solution.
Here are seven tips for implementing great physician liaison programs.
1. Find the right person. Physician liaisons should exude excellent verbal and written communication skills. Mr. Chandler wrote physician liaisons should understand the dynamics of a health system's service area and physician specialties. An ideal liaison is a team player who can establish and maintain connections.
2. Establish C-suite accessibility. Mr. Chandler said physician liaisons should be available to C-suite leaders. "It's an integral component that can't be overlooked," he wrote.
3. Write summary reports. Physician liaisons should document progress as well as opportunities for improvement. Summary reports should include physician contacts, meetings, discussion details and follow-ups.
4. Share operational data. Mr. Chandler said a liaison needs to access physician reports and be in the loop when it comes to referral patterns. When liaisons learn of upcoming physician absences, they should share that information with hospital administrators to best prepare and adjust staffing.
5. Communicate with physicians about hospital services or changes. Physician liaisons should talk with physicians and office staff to reinforce policies or procedural changes. "This builds trust, enhancing your engagement efforts," Mr. Chandler wrote.
6. Work with other team members to solve problems. While physician liaisons may not be able to address all physician issues, notifying department managers — who may be able to solve the problem — can help. Mr. Chandler said liaisons should circle back with physicians after talking with department heads to let them know their concerns are being addressed.
7. Create a common culture. Mr. Chandler said great physician liaisons "share the love." He said liaisons should encourage hospital leaders to visit physician offices with them and "think out of the box — always strive for better ways to communicate."
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