In a presentation at the 9th Annual Orthopedic, Spine and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference in Chicago on June 11, Michael Redler, MD, head team physician at Sacred Heart University, visiting assistant clinical professor at UVA and orthopaedic consultant for Major League Lacrosse, discussed strategies to manage difficult physicians.
Dr. Redler offered several strategies for approaching difficult physicians, or those who interfere with patient care. He said the best resolution is to avoid hiring difficult physicians. If leaders cannot avoid it, they can use strategies such as having a clear policy for disruptive behavior, keeping everyone in the surgery center informed, investigating each incident before acting, consistently following bylaws and confronting physicians.
Surgery center management can resolves issues with difficult physicians by engaging them in dialogue. Dr. Redler said surgery center leaders should "take their pulse" before confronting difficult physicians so they enter the conversation calmly. Administrators should also pay attention to physicians' body language; if physicians show signs of anger, such as pursing their lips and folding their arms, leaders should acknowledge their feelings and ask if they want to talk about it. He also suggested administrators repeat back to physicians what they hear and ask them to help find a solution. Finally, administrators can involve a physician champion in the dialogue and facilitate a conversation between physicians and staff.
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Dr. Redler offered several strategies for approaching difficult physicians, or those who interfere with patient care. He said the best resolution is to avoid hiring difficult physicians. If leaders cannot avoid it, they can use strategies such as having a clear policy for disruptive behavior, keeping everyone in the surgery center informed, investigating each incident before acting, consistently following bylaws and confronting physicians.
Surgery center management can resolves issues with difficult physicians by engaging them in dialogue. Dr. Redler said surgery center leaders should "take their pulse" before confronting difficult physicians so they enter the conversation calmly. Administrators should also pay attention to physicians' body language; if physicians show signs of anger, such as pursing their lips and folding their arms, leaders should acknowledge their feelings and ask if they want to talk about it. He also suggested administrators repeat back to physicians what they hear and ask them to help find a solution. Finally, administrators can involve a physician champion in the dialogue and facilitate a conversation between physicians and staff.
Related Articles on Physicians in ASCs:
5 Proven Strategies for Successful Physician Recruitment
ASC Administrator Tip: Keep Physician Preference Cards Up-to-Date
Administrator Tip: How to Get Physicians to Attend Partnership Meetings