Volume 1 Number 1 In This Issue

Patient experience is much more than patient satisfaction

Johny Van Aerde, MD, PhD

Measuring patient satisfaction based on concepts borrowed from business and linking them incorrectly with outcomes can lead to problems. Terms such as quality and satisfaction depend on a number of variables, both objective and subjective. At the Cleveland Clinic, already renowned for technical excellence, system-wide emphasis on patient experience (the combination of objective and subjective elements) dramatically increased its ranking in terms of quality, safety, and efficiency in delivery of care. read article

Principled physician (and other health care) leadership: introducing a value-based approach

Abraham Rudnick, MD

A value-based approach to leadership by physicians and other health care professionals has not been addressed systematically, although it seems to be important. This paper introduces such a principled approach, using a selective literature review and conceptual analysis, as well as illustrations from physician leadership experience. This approach prioritizes, in a context-sensitive non-formulaic way, three (sets of) values: being person-centred, being evidence-informed and being socially responsible. Research exploring and examining this approach would be helpful. read article

The myths of multitasking: taking a mindful approach to enhance leadership focus

Paul Mohapel, PhD

Increasingly physicians are experiencing greater demands and pressures in their roles as both clinicians and leaders. As demands increase, we are seeing many physicians moving more to multitasking strategies to cope. This paper outlines some of the myths and misconceptions around the benefits of multitasking and offers mindfulness-based approaches to minimize the impairments associated with distraction and bring greater focus to self-awareness, interpersonal relationships and innovative thinking. read article

More women leaders needed in medicine

Mamta Gautam, MD

Despite increasing numbers of women in medicine, they continue to be underrepresented in executive and academic leadership positions. Women bring many attributes and strengths to leadership roles, and research shows there is advantage to gender diversity in leadership. Attempts are being made to understand why there is such a lack of women leaders in medicine, and steps are being taken to support and increase female leadership. Harnessing the potential of all medical leaders will help to ensure successful health care transformation and optimal patient care. read article

Physician breakfast club: more than tea and toast —

building physician leadership capacity in health system improvement

Leane Bettin, MD

I had been in practice only three years when I stepped into the medical director role at the Saskatoon Community Clinic. Although it was one of those cases where “no one else wanted the job,” I had great aspirations for physician engagement and quality improvement. read article

BOOK REVIEW

Getting to Maybe: How the World is Changed

Frances Westley, Brenda Zimmerman and

Michael Quinn Patton

Vintage Canada, 2007

Reviewed by Alykhan Abdulla, MD read review

BOOK REVIEW

The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps

Everything Else in Business

Patrick Lencioni

Jossey-Bass, 2012

Reviewed by John Van Aerde, MD read review