Developing a national role description for medical directors in long-term care: survey-based approach.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a national role description for medical directors in long-term care (LTC) based on role functions drawn from the literature and the LTC industry.


METHODS
A questionnaire about the role functions identified from the literature was mailed or e-mailed to randomly selected medical directors, directors of care or nursing (DOCs), and administrators in LTC facilities.


METHODS
Long-term care facilities in Canada randomly selected from regional clusters.


METHODS
Medical directors, DOCs, and administrators in LTC facilities; a national advisory group of medical directors from the Long Term Care Medical Directors Association of Canada; and a volunteer group of medical directors.


METHODS
Respondents were asked to indicate, from the list of identified functions, 1) whether medical directors spent any time on each activity; 2) whether medical directors should spend time on each activity; and 3) if medical directors should spend time on an activity, whether the activity was "essential" or "desirable."


RESULTS
An overall response rate of 37% was obtained. At least 80% of the respondents from all 3 groups (medical directors, DOCs, and administrators) highlighted 24 functions they deemed to be "essential" or "desirable," which were then included in the role description. In addition, the advisory group expanded the role description to include 5 additional responsibilities from the remaining 18 functions originally identified. A volunteer group of medical directors confirmed the resulting role description.


CONCLUSIONS
The role description developed as a result of this study brings clarity to the medical director's role in Canadian LTC facilities; the functions outlined are considered important for medical directors to undertake. The role description could be a useful tool in negotiations pertaining to time commitment and expectations of a medical director and fair compensation for services rendered.
Rahim-Jamal
Sherin
S
Providence Health Care, Centres of Innovation, Centre for Healthy Aging, 4865 Heather St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 0B3. srahimjamal@providencehealth.bc.ca
Quail
Patrick
P
Bhaloo
Tajudaullah
T
D002170:Canada; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008486:Physician Executives / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024382:Professional Role; D012112:Residential Facilities; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires