Tips For Hospitals: Hiring Locum Tenens Physicians

This post originally appeared on The Barton Blog. It’s both expensive and time-consuming to obtain temporary coverage for a hospital or medical practice. Locum tenens clients have every right to expect high-quality care from the locum tenens providers they hire; but even the very best locums may not perform to their full potential if their onboarding isn’t carefully planned. As a locum tenens physician with licenses in 14 states, I have much experience with the onboarding process. Here are 12 tips for facilities eager to encourage smooth transitions, foster good provider relationships, and provide excellent patient care. 1. Arrange for provider sign-outs. Since lapses in provider communication is a leading cause of medical errors, you can protect your patients by organizing a face-to-face (or phone call) report between the current provider and the locum who is going to be assigned to their census. Studies have shown a 30% decrease in error rate when physicians hand off their patient panel in person. 2. Allow for at least one day of training overlap, if possible. The incoming provider will adapt best to your unique environment and care process if he or she has the chance to “shadow” the current provider for a day. Various questions will naturally arise and be answered during real-time patient care. In emergency fill situations, this will obviously not be possible; but it will help ease transitions in cases where it can be done. 3. Get your IT ducks in a row befo...
Source: Better Health - Category: American Health Authors: Tags: Health Tips Barton How To Succeed Locum Tenens Success Temporary Coverage Tips For Onboarding Traveling Physicians Source Type: blogs