How to play by H.S.A. rules and still win

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health Policy
• Physician Collaboration

Background:

• Health Systems Agencies (H.S.A.) were established to oversee healthcare.
• Physician engagement with H.S.A.s initially faced challenges.
• Minnesota physicians sought a collaborative approach rather than an adversarial one.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the formation and structure of the Physicians Health Force (P.H.F.) in Minnesota.
• To evaluate the impact of physician committees on H.S.A. cooperation.
• To assess the evolution of physician-community relations through the P.H.F. model.

Main Methods:

• The Physicians Health Force (P.H.F.) was established, mirroring H.S.A. structures.
• P.H.F. committees were formed in parallel with H.S.A. committees and task forces.
• Physicians involved with H.S.A.s also became ex-officio members of the P.H.F.

Main Results:

• Physician groups, initially met with skepticism, demonstrated increasing cooperation.
• The P.H.F. structure facilitated parallel action with H.S.A. initiatives.
• Physician membership in H.S.A.s provided direct input and collaboration.

Conclusions:

• The Physicians Health Force (P.H.F.) model fostered improved communication between physicians and H.S.A.s.
• This collaborative approach has been recognized for enhancing community relations.
• The P.H.F. demonstrates a successful strategy for physician integration into health system governance.