How are we building medical staff engagement?

Provide opportunities and supports for physicians to participate in meaningful ways.

Monthly online meetings are a helpful way to keep physicians engaged, to discuss variety of topics that matter to them, and maintain consistent and open communication.
 
Create communication channels for physicians to raise issues at any time, such as a whiteboard suggestion box in physician lounge, online portal, online ideas board (Google Jamboard, Slido), and working group representatives to bring issues back and forth from members.
 
Ensure everyone has an opportunity to provide their opinion and contribute to a proposed project, with flexibility to opt out if desired. Once the process is running and producing positive results, it is easier to secure ongoing commitment from participants.

Create and communicate a framework and the process for physicians to influence and drive small changes and ideas – not just the bigger projects.

In some communities and rural areas, MSA-Division collaboration can be more resource efficient and beneficial for greater physician participation and input into issues and changes.
 

Easy-to-access, bite-sized, relevant communication is crucial to keeps physicians in the loop. 

Address the flow of information to and from physicians. Consider distilling information and communication to medical staff, such as digest style news or e-mail rollups.

Use ‘check-in’ and ‘touch points’ to review progress within teams, and communicate with the broader medical staff as appropriate.
 

Ensure MSA membership are kept aware of the discussions and decisions made at a MSA/HA leadership collaborative tables through regular communication and feedback loops at MSA meetings, through newsletters and special events.

Preferences are shifting for a return to in-person events and workshops over virtual meetings, where it can be challenging to fully engage physicians. 

Virtual meetings are still a convenient way to meet - and will continue for many - depending on the meeting purpose and geographic location of participants.

Personal connections are a way to support the stresses and physicians are facing, and those experiencing burnout and low morale.

Refurbished/renovated physician lounges can provide space for collegial interactions.
Taking time to stop for hallway conversations/check ins can be an effective personal connection that goes a long way.

It may be time to revisit the MSA’s mission and values. Members who have been part of the MSA’s growth, as well as those not always directly involved in the core work can think about, understand and articulate/share what their membership with the MSA means to them personally.

Recognition of physician/medical staff work is vital to improve morale. Acknowledge appreciation for the small things, for those who go above and beyond, and for everyone’s efforts to do their best with the resources or limitations they have.

Physician Wellness, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Indigenous Health and Wellness (and Cultural Safety & Humility) are a few common topics being addressed through MSA engagement structures. Medical staff are increasingly engaging through:

• Collaboration with the health authority on wellness supports and solutions for organizational-level changes.
   
• Dedicated MSA working groups, collaborative tables with the health authorities, such as for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion work.
   
• Educational events, activities and workshops for medical and allied staff, such as for planning and meeting CSH goals.
   
• Relationship building with external partners such as First Nations communities and leaders.