When hospitals and physicians work hand-in-hand, everyone benefits

Dialogue with Gene F. Dickerson, MD
Vice President of Medical Affairs
Tuomey Health

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Q. Why is it important for physicians to work hand-in-hand with hospitals to improve patient safety and healthcare quality?

A. Physicians and hospital staff work together in caring for patients. It is only natural that they work together on improving the process of delivering care. Only through coordinated efforts of physicians and hospitals will we see significant improvements in patient safety and quality that can be sustained. As an example of just how important this is, the South Carolina Hospital Association and the South Carolina Medical Association have established a Senior Medical Leadership Council so that both groups have an equal voice in change across our state.

Q. What is the physician’s role in improving patient safety?

A. Physicians are the main drivers of patient safety both through their actions as well as their attitudes toward safety initiatives.

Q. How has Tuomey Health engaged its medical staff in its efforts to improve patient safety?

A. From an organizational perspective, the leadership at Tuomey Health has set the tone and the culture for safety among its employees and its medical staff. Everyone looks to hospital leadership for example and motivation.

Engaging physicians is also done on a personal level. Having lived in Sumter (where Tuomey Health is located) and practiced medicine for 25 years, I have immediate access to our physicians and we can talk one-on-one or in small groups in an honest and understanding way. The medical staff must have trust in their leaders and there must be open communication. I share numerous reports with our physicians on hospital and individual performance. This creates a sense of competition and a drive to improve.

Q. Is there a need for evidence-based medicine and standardized treatment protocols in the patient safety effort?

A. Definitely yes, there is a need for evidence-based medicine. Providers must follow the best practices known to be successful. Still, there’s a balance. Evidence-based medicine must be balanced with personal experience, and then individualized to each patient. Standardized treatment protocols are helpful guides and should not be mandated.