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Ask the expert: What requirements should a surgical hospitalist abide by?

Hospitalist Leadership Connection, March 29, 2011

A clearly defined code of conduct is important in ensuring that the surgical hospitalist meets expectations regarding professionalism. A key requirement in a code of conduct is that the surgical hospitalist continuously displays proper respect to all staff members at all times.

If a surgical hospitalist has experienced conduct issues at a previous facility, the hospital should take caution hiring that individual; a 90-day trial employment period may be required to observe the surgeon’s interactions and communication skills. If the hospital chooses to hire the surgical hospitalist, it should send out a quarterly or biannual confidential questionnaire to assess the performance of the hospitalist. Survey professional staff members, such as the ward and ICU nurses or OR staff, as well as the medical hospitalists.

In addition, hospitals should require surgical hospitalists to maintain their board certification with the American Board of Surgeons; board certification is essential to maintain the credentials necessary to function as a surgical hospitalist.

Hospitals should also require surgical hospitalists to participate in monthly morbidity and mortality conferences. The learning and discussion that takes place amongst surgical peers during these conferences can support the quality and transparency of the program. In some cases, it might be worthwhile to hold some of these meetings jointly with the medical hospitalists.

The above excerpt is adapted from The Surgical Hospitalist Program Management Guide: Tools and Strategies for Executives and Physicians, by John Nelson, MD, FACP; John Maa, MD, FACS; and foreword by Robert M. Wachter, MD, published by HCPro, Inc. Download a free sample chapter online at www.HCMarketplace.com.

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