Co-management agreements: An approach to physician–hospital alignment and integration

Abstract

Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters instituted a programme of co-management in the perioperative areas, including the operating room. Physicians, nurses, other perioperative staff members and administrative leaders worked in teams to identify and address opportunities for improvement in the following areas: (1) quality outcomes and patient safety, (2) efficiency and effectiveness, (3) patient experience and access and (4) strategic development. A physician-chaired committee comprising employed and community physicians, nursing leaders and administrators provided governance. As an incentive, additional compensation was provided for physicians, nurses and other perioperative staff members on the basis of participation time and results achieved. Goals were met or exceeded in many of the clinical and administrative initiatives, and return on investment was favourable.