Hospital management

Global economic challenges and heathcare policy changes call for a strong interaction between healthcare managers and clinicians. In-depth knowledge of the healthcare system and clinical processes is crucial for improving medical care and hospital performance. Studies indicate that improving hospital leadership, particularly in cultural competency, positively affects the overall hospital performance.1 2 Tasi et al showed that physician leadership was independently associated with higher average quality ratings, suggesting that physician leaders may possess skills or management approaches that positively affect hospital quality and care value. Although physician leadership was associated with more inpatient days in hospital, total revenue and profit margin were not impacted compared with non-physician-led hospitals.3

Historically, physicians tended to solely practise medicine, leaving hospital management to others. However, the daily routine of physicians involving making (clinical) judgements and finding solutions is similar to how non-clinical managers approach their daily problems. As a first step into hospital management, some healthcare institutions offer medical director positions without formal or positional power. These roles carry responsibility for medical supervision and overall regulation of medical facets that affect …