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.”
More Articles on Hospital Boards:
What Does Governance Look Like in the Country’s Largest Health Systems? 8 Major Findings
CMS Postpones Requirement for Medical Staff Members on Hospital Boards
Study Reveals Shortfalls in Hospital Boards’ Involvement in Quality Efforts
At Becker's 4th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable, taking place November 2–5 in Chicago, more than 1,500 hospital and health system executives tackle decisions that determine whether organizations thrive or merely survive: protecting margins under cost pressure, choosing where to grow, renegotiating payer relationships, stabilizing the workforce and proving real ROI on technology. This is where leaders work through them together, face-to-face. Apply for complimentary registration now.
