Hospitalist Survey Highlights Way Forward
The Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH), has undergone tremendous change over the past 18 months since VJH changed to the current Hospitalist model of care. Last fall, a survey conducted for members of the Hospitalist Department (locums as well as contracted physicians) was funded by the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Society (VJHPS) through the Facility Engagement Initiative (FEI). The survey results have led to changes in the way the department now operates.
Vernon Jubilee’s Hospitalist department was evolving, and over two years there had been significant staff turnover as locums and physicians came and went. The survey provided an excellent opportunity to gather feedback on what was and wasn’t working.
Over forty present and former medical staff participated in the survey. The VJHPS provided administrative advice and support during the initial planning phase plus reimbursement for each physician’s time to complete the survey and attend the follow-up discussions.
“Collegiality and teamwork were raised as important core values on numerous occasions. Physician burnout and retention were concerns for everyone and something we will be addressing in the coming year. The survey has been influential in our ongoing recruitment campaign for new Hospitalists, and in deciding what sort of department we want to become”, shared Dr. Travis Allen, VJH Hospitalist and Project Lead.
Other key issues identified, included communication challenges, particularly in relation to patient handover and documentation. Survey responses allowed the department to pinpoint the specific areas where communication was breaking down. Dr. Allen notes that “There was a high response rate of physicians, with many saying similar things, so the feedback on specific topics resonated much louder. This project provided the focus we needed for our group’s next steps”.
The department intends to continue to take advantage of VJHPS funding to conduct further discussions and events that will address the concerns raised in the survey. Also, the Hospitalist department is planning a spinoff activity to address the issue of document handover. Lastly, meetings are being held to discuss how FEI funding could be used to help organize team-building events to further strengthen collaboration.
Dr. Allen created the survey and presented a summary of both the qualitative and quantitative results to his colleagues last November. He stated “It has shone a light on how diverse our team is and how things are improving. It also clearly showed where there were issues that needed further discussion.”