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The hospitalist as coordinator: an observational case study
Ulrike Burkhardt1, Astrid Erbsen, Marjam Rüdiger-Stürchler
1Institute for Surgical Research and Hospital Management (ICFS), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Journal of Health Organization and Management
|May 1, 2010
Summary
The hospitalist role positively impacts care by coordinating tasks and bridging organizational gaps. Addressing interaction processes and professional orientations is key to maximizing the hospitalist function's potential.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Medical Sociology
- Inpatient Care Research
Background:
- The hospitalist model aims to enhance integration and continuity in inpatient care.
- Understanding the emergent roles and interactions of hospitalists is crucial for optimizing their function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emergence and unfolding of the hospitalist function within hospital wards.
- To analyze interaction patterns and the specific roles undertaken by hospitalists.
Main Methods:
- A process-oriented case study utilizing participatory observations and semi-structured interviews.
- Conducted 14 observational days over one year, observing hospitalists, nurses, and surgeons concurrently.
- Employed qualitative data from observations to illustrate findings.
Main Results:
- The hospitalist function is perceived positively, acting as an informal leader.
- Hospitalists adopt five interrelated, coordinative roles that address organizational gaps.
- Interaction patterns are dynamic, characterized by bilateral, ad hoc, reactive, and repetitive exchanges, with roles continuously negotiated.
Conclusions:
- Hospitalist research should incorporate discussions on overlapping roles and responsibilities within healthcare teams.
- Further research into the origins of interaction patterns and hospitalist roles is recommended.
- Maximizing the hospitalist potential requires addressing organizational and interactional issues, considering professional orientations.
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