Communicating with physicians: one hospital's approach.

Experience with the PAL program has demonstrated that it takes approximately six months to one year for a PAL relationship to build trust and open communication. By the end of the sixth month, the relationship is usually established to the point that the physician and office staff voluntarily call on the PAL manager with concerns requiring attention. Riverside continues to explore ways to build and strengthen the PAL Program. At a recent hospital managerial conference, managers and physicians discussed the hospital-physician relationship and collaborated on ways to improve communications and alliances with the medical staff. In addition, hospital-sponsored social events that provide opportunities for physicians and PAL managers to interact outside the workplace have been introduced and well received. As the health care delivery system undergoes transformation and implementation of the computerized patient record becomes a reality, the PAL Program will serve as a foundation in the establishment of new programs and relationships between the hospital and the medical staff that will ensure Riverside's future success in the marketplace.