Question

"The excellent HCO advances the revolution and improves physician satisfaction. The purpose of its physician organization is to recruit and retain physicians necessary to provide excellent care to the community" (Griffith & White, 2011, p. 108). Once physicians are recruited and retained, ongoing competency is key to maintaining excellence.

Dr. Adams, the Chief Medical Officer of Memorial Hospital, has a problem. Dr. Jones, a highly respected member of the HCO's medical staff, has shown signs of deterioration in his skills and knowledge. There has been concern expressed by a few colleagues about his abilities. He has been a part of the medical staff since he completed his Family Medicine Residency and Fellowship at one of the top medical schools over 30 years ago. He is usually a favorite of the patients, nurses, and most of his colleagues. He has recently received some lower patient satisfaction scores and the nurses and others who work with him directly have noticed he has a short temper and appears to be forgetting routine items. Dr. Adams believes he must take steps to address the concerns that Dr. Jones is no longer up to standards professionally. Memorial Hospital is also experiencing a shortage of primary care physicians.   

1) What should Dr. Adams do?

2) What should Dr. Jones' colleagues, the nurses, and other staff do?

3) What happens if someone notices this behavior in Dr. Jones and they are afraid to go to leadership; is there anything else they can do?

Answer 1

1)Health care sector is basically filled with sick patients who has to be paid high attention and concentration on the delivery of care.Dr.Adam being in this position should call upon Dr.Jones and inform about his performance and the consequence which can be expected from his behaviour.

2) It is the duty of all health care professionals to report to their higher officials when someone behave unprofessional and which could endanger the life of patients. Forgetting things will cause a direct threat to the type of treatment received by the patients and can cause adverse events.His colleagues can I form this to him directly and make necessary changes on him,the nurse can inform about any error by communication

3)When someone notices this type of behaviour like anger,forgetfulness they usually refuse to go to the concerned person.They can report the higher official for smooth run of work without any interruption.