Human Resources: Health Care Professionals and Current and Future Challenges in HR Management
A physician, also referred to as a doctor or a medical practitioner, is a practicing medical professional whose primary responsibility is to promote, maintain, and restore good health. In the health care system, it is the role of the physicians to diagnose illnesses and treat patients appropriately. In modern hospitals, physicians are described to be important individuals who facilitate the achievement of the goals and objectives set by the health care organizations. Traditionally, physicians used the hospitals similar to a workshop, where they were given the freedom to prescribe the tests or treatment methods deemed necessary for the patients. A study by Lorenzi and Riley (2013) states that the traditional role of physicians has evolved over the years because of the various scientific and cultural changes. In essence, physicians within the health care system have evolved to encompass a variety of functions both medical and non-medical, with the hope of making the health care system more efficient and competent. This paper focuses on exploring the traditional roles of physicians and the way these roles have changed in the last ten years.
According to Topinková, Baeyens, Michel, and Lang (2012), the role of physicians has changed extensively because of the development of computerized support systems, especially in the area of medication prescribing. As a result, the physician’s line of responsibilities has continuously evolved, and modern physicians are considered to be better doctors who are suited to serve the complex needs of patients. The review of the medication process within the health care system has brought additional benefits to the roles of physicians and nurses. Traditionally, it was the role of the nurses within the hospitals to only administer medication (Topinková et al., 2012).
With the evolution in medication procedures, nurses are now equipped to carry out the functions of medication review, medication prescription, and preparing in case of adverse drug events. Such advancements in the nurses’ competencies have paved way for the physicians to take up several new professional roles.
Lorenzi and Riley (2013) suggest that the traditional roles of physicians are moving to be more challenging because of the growth of technology. However, progressive physicians view this growth as an advantage. Technological advancements in the health care system have provided physicians with better information which has helped them reshape their roles when they have adapted themselves to the change. In the recent past, health care providers have started focusing on population health and the way care is being delivered. Apart from technology-assisted treatment, this is being achieved by establishing best practices for patient care and improving care coordination. Physicians play a crucial role in establishing these substantial changes within a health care organization. From a simple diagnosis to a treatment function, the role of a physician has evolved and physicians are involved directly in the patient’s overall care plan. They also play a significant role in controlling cost and optimizing quality. In order to support new policies, technologies, and changes, practitioners must be willing to take up responsibility and assume the role of a physician leader. These physician leaders play a critical role as the health care industry transforms its focus on community health.
A study by Maier and Aiken (2016) states that the clinical activities performed by physicians traditionally are now being undertaken by nurses in health care organizations, worldwide. The reason for the change is the increase in the health care needs and physicians’ specializations. Physicians are expanding their scope from the traditional primary care area and taking up specialist roles. To meet the demands of the health care industry and the increasing number of patients, physicians are taking up specialty medical courses that help them perform specific roles.
Physicians have also shifted from the traditional solo practice model to the group practice model. In solo practice, physicians usually operate individually and have a limited patient base. They are usually not affiliated with any health care provider and operate through independent clinics. On the other hand, in the group practice model, two or more physicians may get together to carry out the practice. They operate from a common premises and also share their resources. Both single-specialty and multi-specialty services are offered through group medical practice. When a health care provider purchases or manages these groups, physicians become their employees and are directly affiliated with the organization. Today, more and more physicians are moving from the traditional private practice model, and prefer engaging themselves with a reputed health care provider. Not many are willing to undertake the risk of running a practice of their own.
Additionally, in a survey that was conducted on the importance of physicians to health care organizations, Hernandez and O’Connor (2010) observed that physicians add at about $3 million per year through their medical practices. In this survey, it is said that physicians have a direct relationship with the health care organization, as they have become an important source of income to the hospitals. According to Hernandez and O’Connor (2010), the relationship between the health care organizations and the physicians is another factor that has influenced the change in the role of physicians over the years. This element has changed the philosophical background of physicians. Their role in the hospitals is more than just treating the patients, and more into making hospitals generate revenue that can be used for their effectiveness.
As the world is in a phase of constant transformation, all of us are forced to embrace the changes happening. From the discussion, it is apparent that technology plays a major role in the transformation process. For instance, in the health care sector, technology is creating changes which in turn help physicians advance their roles. When physicians adapt to the change and work effectively with the health care providers, it creates a better working relationship which in turn makes them carry out more roles than just the task of treating patients. Today, nurses and physicians carry out diverse roles in hospitals. Some of these roles include setting employment terms and conditions, process improvement, and reviewing medication. Traditionally, physicians used to carry out only the stereotypical roles in the health care sector; but currently, physicians have taken up the role of service delivery both inside and outside the hospital.
References
Hernandez, S. R., & O’Connor, S. J. (2010). Strategic human resources management in health services organizations. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning.
Lorenzi, N. M., & Riley, R. T. (2013). Managing technological change: Organizational aspects of health informatics. New York, NY: Springer New York.
Maier, C. B., & Aiken, L. H. (2016). Expanding clinical roles for nurses to realign the global health workforce with population needs: A commentary. Israel Journal of Health Policy Research, 5(21), 1. Retrieved from https://ijhpr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13584-016-0079-2
Topinková, E., Baeyens, J. P., Michel, J. P., & Lang, P. O. (2012). Evidence-based strategies for the optimization of pharmacotherapy in older people. Drugs & Aging, 29(6), 477–494. Retrieved from https://dx.doi.org/10.2165/11632400-000000000-00000
