Physician engagement is a crucial factor in the success and growth of healthcare organizations. Engaged physicians are not only more likely to deliver high-quality care to patients, but also play a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency and innovation.

Using data analytics to support and educate physicians can streamline processes, provide meaningful feedback, and show the impact of engagement on patient health and satisfaction.

In the past, measuring provider engagement could be challenging and subjective. Today, organizations can use data analytics to monitor, assess, and improve physician engagement.

Physician engagement is important for growth

 Supporting physician engagement is always challenging in the fast-moving and demanding healthcare environment, but the trauma and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it even more so. Healthcare professionals experienced the biggest drop in engagement among all employees between 2021 and 2022.

This is troubling for many reasons, not least because disengagement can affect the quality of patient care. Engaged physicians are more likely to be attentive and present with their patients, which can contribute to a better overall patient experience, more trusting relationships, and improved compliance and outcomes.

One study found that engaged physicians were more than one-fourth more productive than their less-engaged colleagues, which adds up to nearly a half-million dollars in additional patient revenue per doctor per year. In an increasingly competitive healthcare market, those numbers can make a huge difference in the services providers can offer and the talent they can attract.

How data analytics can promote physician engagement

Provider organizations can leverage data analytics to evaluate engagement and improve it. Data analytics transform physician engagement strategies from empty jargon and catchphrases into meaningful insights that inspire physicians and help them find more fulfillment in their work. Areas to focus on include:

• Patient outcomes. Showing physicians the result of their work is a powerful way to communicate their impact. When doctors are in the trenches day to day, it can be hard for them to see the difference they are making in the lives of their patients and their families. Hard data showing improved outcomes over time and across patient populations can help them cultivate a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

  Providers can also use patient outcomes data to attract more customers, set higher reimbursement rates from payers, and position themselves for higher quality ratings and awards.

• Workflow optimization. Physicians spend over 15 hours or more a week on administrative tasks, which is a significant drain on their time and energy. Data analytics can reveal where administrators can implement more efficient workflows and automated tasks to streamline required non-clinical work. This gives physicians more time to focus on care and to see additional patients, which can enhance patient experience and outcomes as well as increase revenue.

• Performance metrics. Just as data can show physicians their impact on patients, it can also be used to connect individual actions to organizational goals. However, it can be difficult to get physicians to trust certain kinds of performance analytics, so education and transparency are key. Explain where the data comes from and how it is analyzed, making sure to avoid any “black box” analytics, and use industry standards as benchmarks to help build trust.

  Show physicians relevant data that clearly connects their actions to increased savings, better outcomes, or new revenue.

• Identifying training needs. Data analytics can uncover where physicians may be underperforming in clinical or operational areas or where there are gaps in service, pointing to opportunities for more training, education, or investment. For example, providers may uncover an increased need for certain treatments or expertise.

  Developing or expanding knowledge and skills can help physicians do their jobs more effectively, building their confidence and contributing to improved patient outcomes as well as operational efficiency.

• Feedback and recognition. Everyone likes to be acknowledged for their hard work. Provider organizations can use data analytics to track and celebrate individual and group contributions toward company goals. Implementing formal programs to recognize and reward providers for their accomplishments regularly can boost morale and support job satisfaction.

Physician engagement benefits everyone

More engaged doctors contribute to everything from patient health to a pleasant and productive workplace. As the practice and business of healthcare continue to face challenges, it’s more important than ever to prevent physicians from feeling disconnected and overwhelmed at work.

Providers that use data analytics have a powerful tool at their fingertips to monitor and assess physician engagement and act before problems arise or become critical. Being proactive in this area can help providers support their clinicians and stay on track to reach their goals for patient care, growth, efficiency, and more.