New physician staffing model launched to transform patient care
NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES — The healthcare industry has long struggled to balance efficiency with high-quality patient care. A North Carolina-based physician staffing solutions firm is tackling this issue with a revolutionary staffing model that prioritizes both patient care quality and physician satisfaction.
Traditional hospital staffing often follows a “round-and-go” approach, where physicians are incentivized based on the number of patients seen rather than the quality of care provided.
This model pressures physicians to maximize patient numbers, leading to brief interactions that focus solely on primary issues.
Quality over quantity: A new approach
Open Source M.D. (OSMD), co-founded by Dr. David Rosen and Dr. William Keates, is a practice management and consulting firm that partners physicians and hospitals together through a free market system.
OSMD’s model challenges this volume-driven approach by allowing physicians to spend more time with each patient.
Dr. Rosen emphasizes that this time investment enhances care quality and leads to more efficient treatment plans, with physicians interacting multiple times daily with patients and their families. This increased interaction not only improves care outcomes but can also reduce hospital stays.
A key feature of OSMD’s model is minimizing patient handoffs, enabling patients to see the same attending physician throughout their stay. This consistency strengthens doctor-patient relationships and eliminates confusion caused by differing care approaches.
Addressing physician burnout with consistent care
OSMD also addresses physician burnout by moving away from fragmented, short shifts, allowing doctors to oversee patients from admission to discharge. This continuity improves patient experiences and fosters a sense of purpose among physicians.
“When physicians are given the time to spend with patients multiple times a day and even interact with their families, the quality of care improves extensively,” Dr. Rosen added.
The extended time allows physicians to delve into complex cases and consult specialists as needed, which is crucial in today’s healthcare landscape, where patients often present with multiple coexisting conditions.
Proven benefits and positive hospital feedback
The response from hospitals has been overwhelmingly positive. In Oregon, where OSMD’s model was implemented alongside the traditional model, patient satisfaction increased, quality of care improved, and hospital metrics saw noticeable enhancements.
Physician Jaso Kuhl attests to the benefits: “Their dedication and expertise are truly remarkable and have been instrumental in achieving our healthcare delivery goals.” The presence of OSMD providers during multidisciplinary rounds and planning sessions has improved patient progression by reducing the length of stay.
“Hospital administrators love our model because they can see the difference in the quality of care and the satisfaction of both patients and staff,” said Dr. Keates. “At the end of the day, we’re trying to prove that you don’t have to choose between efficiency and quality—you can have both.”
