Increasing the number of physicians on boards increases healthcare quality and patient satisfaction and lowers morbidity rates, according to new research from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
Researchers examined the relationship between physicians' board involvement and patient satisfaction levels, morbidity rates and how highly a hospital's management is regarded.
It found more clinicians are likely to be on boards if the CEO has a clinical background. There was evidence of a positive but not clearly significant relationship between physicians on boards and the financial ratings of the institution. Researchers also found that the number of board members with nursing backgrounds was less clearly correlated with improved performance outcomes.
The U.K. has one of the lowest proportions of clinical managers — 58 percent compared with 74 percent in the United States.
"[It] has already been noted that clinical leadership has moved in recent times from the dark side to centre stage," the authors said. "[This] shift in expectations and priorities is well-founded given the very tangible gains that follow from having doctors more involved in senior management."
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Researchers examined the relationship between physicians' board involvement and patient satisfaction levels, morbidity rates and how highly a hospital's management is regarded.
It found more clinicians are likely to be on boards if the CEO has a clinical background. There was evidence of a positive but not clearly significant relationship between physicians on boards and the financial ratings of the institution. Researchers also found that the number of board members with nursing backgrounds was less clearly correlated with improved performance outcomes.
The U.K. has one of the lowest proportions of clinical managers — 58 percent compared with 74 percent in the United States.
"[It] has already been noted that clinical leadership has moved in recent times from the dark side to centre stage," the authors said. "[This] shift in expectations and priorities is well-founded given the very tangible gains that follow from having doctors more involved in senior management."
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