Choosing Between Retention and Recruitment of Surgeons Using a Cost-benefit Analysis

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Administration
• Health Economics
• Surgical Staffing

Background:

• Decisions on retaining high-performing surgeons versus recruiting new ones are often subjective.
• Financial data complexity can hinder objective decision-making in surgical staffing.
• This study addresses the need for a structured financial approach to retention vs. recruitment decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a cost-benefit model for objectively evaluating surgeon retention versus recruitment.
• To provide a financial framework to support strategic hiring and retention decisions in healthcare.
• To create a practical tool for clinicians to use in staffing evaluations.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a scoping review of medical and business literature (1995-2025).
• Developed a cost-benefit formula comparing retention and recruitment financial data (salary, hiring, ramp-up, productivity).
• Created an Excel workbook to facilitate clinician use of the cost-benefit analysis for three hypothetical scenarios.

Main Results:

• Limited literature exists on retention vs. recruitment financial comparisons.
• Financial data is available from administrations for cost-benefit analysis.
• A sensitivity analysis was performed to identify key variables and calculate maximum allowable retention costs.

Conclusions:

• A financial cost-benefit analysis can objectively support intangible factors in retention vs. recruitment decisions.
• The developed model offers an objective adjunct for strategic surgical staffing.
• Implementing this model can lead to more informed and financially sound staffing choices.