Perceptions of trust in physician-managers

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Medical Leadership

Background:

• The healthcare sector increasingly requires physicians to assume leadership roles.
• Part-time physician-managers balance clinical practice with administrative duties.
• Understanding trust dynamics is crucial for effective physician leadership.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the dual role of physician-managers by examining perceptions of trust and distrust.
• To analyze the factors influencing trust and distrust in physician-managers.
• To provide insights into supporting physician-managers in their complex roles.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research approach utilizing interviews and focus groups.
• Inclusion of physician-managers and nurse-managers as respondents.
• Application of an analytical model based on ability, benevolence, and integrity to assess trust.

Main Results:

• Respondents perceived both increases and decreases in physicians' trust towards physician-managers.
• Elements of distrust were more numerous and severe than elements of trust.
• Physician-managers received predominantly negative perceptions regarding their dual role.

Conclusions:

• Findings are based on perceptions of perceptions, not direct physician interviews.
• The dual role of physician-managers operates under conflicting medical and managerial logics.
• Healthcare organizations must support physician-managers to ensure continued willingness to lead.