Medical Staff

Skills hospitalist leaders should develop

Hospitalist Leadership Connection, April 6, 2010

Although more hospitalists are taking the helm as leaders of their institutions, not much data exists of what skill sets are required to be successful, according to a new study, “Hospitalist physician leadership skills: Perspectives from participants of a leadership conference,” published in the March issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.

Researchers at John Hopkins University and Bayview Medical Center surveyed attendees of the Society of Hospital Medicine Leadership Academy courses between 2007 and 2008, asking them to participate in behavioral contracts—that is, setting personal goals for themselves. Twelve months later, researchers followed up to gather data about hospitalists’ progress toward those goals.

They found that respondents wanted to develop leadership skills, including the following most commonly cited:

  • Improving communication and interpersonal skills (58.3% of respondents)
  • Refining vision, goals, and strategic planning (51.7%)
  • Improving intrapersonal development (30%)
  • Enhancing negotiation skills (36.7%)
  • Committing to organizational change (26.7%)

“Hospitalist leaders appear to be committed to professional growth and they have reported realization of goals delineated in their behavioral contracts. While varied methods are being used as part of physician leadership training programs, behavioral contracts may enhance promise for change,” states the study.

 

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