Physician leadership during the pandemic: reflections from hospitalist leaders in British Columbia, Canada: a mixed-methods evaluation study

Abstract

Hospitalist physician leaders play an important role in how health care organizations deliver acute care services. Understanding the challenges they face can be important in preparing them for future crises. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation study to explore the challenges faced by hospitalist leaders and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their ability to address them. Results: Our findings suggest that staffing issues are a major concern, along with the quality of relations between physicians and health authority managers. Moreover, our findings suggest a need for more leadership training for hospitalists. Conclusions: Hospitalist physician leaders in British Columbia face significant challenges in staffing their programs, as well as difficult relations with administrators. Efforts to improve collaboration and physician engagement should be a high priority for health system leaders in the province.