Improving medical personnel selection and appointment processes

Abstract

Purpose: This paper seeks to argue that processes for selecting and appointing medically qualified personnel in some healthcare organizations may be limited, especially those that emphasize qualifications rather than expanding the criteria to include practice scope, person-organization fit and capability to function within a healthcare team. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on the authors' experiences and a literature review. Findings: Selection based purely on academic merit, advanced clinical training, skills and professional achievements may not address other essential selection criteria. Medical personnel need to possess competencies such as ability to give high quality care and work constructively in a clinical team; communication skills; willingness to actively participate in quality and safety programs; teaching ability; management and leadership skills; and support institutional values and corporate aims. These attributes are often over-looked and cannot be assumed from academic merit and achievements. Research limitations/implications: The study's conclusions are based on the authors' experiences and literature review. Future studies may wish to examine selection technique efficacy and outcomes empirically. Practical implications: Better medical personnel selection and appointment processes are likely to reduce unnecessary costs associated with poorly-made appointments, improve patient outcomes and may have a formative role encouraging medical personnel to take a broader view of their healthcare organization roles. Originality/value: The authors challenge selection panel members to consider non-traditional with normal selection criteria for medical appointments. Nine recommendations for enhancing selection processes are provided.