WellStar Focuses on Physician Satisfaction

The 2009 Physician Satisfaction Survey revealed a need for improvement in the ease of care, overall patient care and strengthened relationships between physicians and hospital leadership.

In September 2009, the physician leadership retreat focused on strengthening physician and hospital relations. As a part of this effort, action plans were created by each hospital and the WellStar Physicians Group. The following activities are underway:

- Regular leader rounding with physicians
- Responding to CME concerns with the addition of new programs
- Physician recognition program under development
- Development of physician educational opportunities leading to advanced degrees

Over the last few months, several changes have been made to increase the ease of practice for all WellStar physicians. Some of these improvements include:
- Radiology results processed through the new F1 method
- Discharge process focus – pilot team has been created at WellStar Paulding Hospital
- Information Technology upgrades – Chief Medical Information Officer in place, over 110 new computer workstations operational Systemwide (both mobile and fixed), CPOE/Zynx Program underway (improving availability of order sets)


WellStar has also focused on patient care concerns. The following improvements have been made as a direct result of your feedback:
- Chief Nursing Executive named (starting March 30, 2010)
- Nurse/physician rounding in pilot at multiple facilities
- Multidisciplinary rounds
- Accent reduction training