Hospitalist staffing is one of the most important predecessors to delivering optimal patient care. While the position of a hospitalist is still a relatively new one, it has been steadily growing since it was first introduced in the 1990s.
Hospitalists, which are hospital-based physicians, are responsible for the practice of hospital medicine. Most often, this involves general medicine, but can also include specialties.
Having the right staffing is critical for delivering an optimal patient experience. This is because staffing levels can impact everything from physician workload to patient quality of care. The more hospitalists that are available on hand, the more promptly patients will have access to the medical services and support they need, leading to better outcomes.
Keep in mind that the exact number can vary based on individual facility needs.
A hospitalist’s duties involve caring for patients in a hospital environment. Their responsibilities can include everything from providing a diagnosis to treating various conditions. Along with providing direct patient care, hospitalists may also be responsible for research or holding leadership roles within the hospital.
Most of these physicians have received residency training in areas like general internal medicine obstetrics or pediatrics. Some may hold specialties such as pulmonology or surgery.
No matter what specialty they may have, a hospital benefits from having a dedicated team that’s prepared to meet the needs of various patients and manage their care. This is true both while they are admitted and once they are discharged. The better equipped hospitals are, the higher the total performance score (TPS) of the facility tends to be.
One of the most notable benefits of a hospitalist’s role in medicine is how they are able to provide seamless care transitions between primary care and hospital settings. For many general medical cases, patients receive care from a hospitalist. They are able to serve as the central coordinators of inpatient care throughout the duration of their stay.
Continuity of care ensures ongoing health care management for patients. Whether a patient is being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility, fragmented care can lead to repeat hospitalizations or emergency department visits. Having a team there to improve transitions of care reduces these chances.
This role is also especially beneficial for patients with complex medical needs or who undergo subsequent hospitalizations. Because their medical records and information are already stored, the team will have easy access to them when needed.
Another advantage of hospitalist staffing is how they are able to step in and deliver timely and efficient care. As soon as a patient’s need is recognized, the team will be able to provide immediate attention and intervention, reducing complications, mortality and morbidity.
Hospitalists are also available to streamline the communication between health care providers and specialists. This prevents delays in medical services, which leads to higher-quality care and better patient outcomes.
Not having continuity of care will disrupt the flow in hospitals, which will impact the care patients are able to receive. This can lead to a lower TPS score, longer hospital stays and readmission. Hospitals are under increased pressure to decrease the length of stay for each patient. Having the right staffing levels will prevent delays in the discharge process.
Because hospitalists specialize in serving inpatients and delivering hospital care, they have a great deal of specialized knowledge. They have experience in and understand how to manage acute conditions and provide the right level of care. Some are even board-certified specifically in hospital medicine.
Since they work in the same setting day in and day out, they are much more familiar with hospital protocols, procedures and best practices. From knowing how to manage hospital infections to providing evidence-based and up-to-date medical care, hospitalists bring with them a high level of expertise.
Being able to work closely with other health care professionals to optimize patient outcomes is another benefit of hospitalist staffing. Collaboration enhances the ability to facilitate effective transitions of care across different departments in the hospital.
Having a medical team that knows how to communicate and collaborate also reduces the chances of errors and ensures each patient has a better experience and outcome. Together, the team will have a more comprehensive view of the patient’s medical history, symptoms and care needs, enhancing the overall patient experience and prognosis.
Here at First Docs, we have a team of physicians, nurse practitioners and health care providers who have the skills and experience to provide personalized hospitalist staffing services. Whether your goal is to enhance the level of care for hospitalized children or young adults or coordinate care for older adults in an inpatient setting, we have you covered.
Our hospital staffing services are designed to provide each of your patients with the specific level of care they need based on their unique needs and goals.
Interested in learning more about how we can provide you with compassionate, customized care? Please reach out online today to schedule a consultation.