What it’s all about
Entrepreneurial Neglect Syndrome (ENS) refers to the neglect of entrepreneurial aspects in the management of medical practices. This behaviour has far-reaching consequences that affect not only practice management, but also patient care and the economic viability of the practice.
What does entrepreneurial practice management mean?
The term refers to the application of business management principles and methods in the management of a medical practice. This includes aspects such as strategic planning, efficient organisation, personnel management, marketing, patient care and controlling. The aim is to manage the practice not only as a medical facility, but also as a business enterprise in order to optimise both patient care and the economic performance of the practice. Recognising this component of practice management is essential in order to meet the current and future challenges of outpatient medicine and to manage practices successfully in the long term.
The ENS and its disadvantages
Economic instability
Without entrepreneurial thinking, doctors will find it difficult to operate profitably in the long term. This can lead to financial bottlenecks, which can result in a reduction in staff, a reduction in services or, in the worst case, the closure of the practice.
Loss of quality in patient care
Entrepreneurial failure often impairs the ability to invest in new technologies, training or procedures that could improve patient care. This leads to the use of outdated processes and procedures that can reduce the quality of medical care.
Staff dissatisfaction and turnover
Inadequate practice management often causes high staff turnover. Dissatisfaction arises from poor management, lack of vision or lack of investment in staff development.
Lower competitiveness
Practices suffering from ENS are unable to keep up with competitors who offer more modern, patient-centred and efficient services. This results in a steady decline in patient numbers and ultimately a weaker market position.
Innovation logjam
Without entrepreneurial commitment, innovation falls by the wayside. This means that practices do not benefit from the latest medical knowledge or business innovations, which sets them back further.
Reputational risks
At a time when patients take reviews and recommendations seriously, the lack of entrepreneurial initiative creates a bad reputation that discourages new and repeat patients alike.
Stress and burnout among doctors
Doctors who have to deal with both the medical care of their patients and the consequences of inadequately managed business aspects of their practice often suffer from increased stress, which can lead to burnout.
Conclusion
Understanding and managing the ENS is crucial to ensuring the future viability of German medical practices. Through targeted training, embracing management practices and opening up to business management advice, GPs can regain control of the entrepreneurial side of their profession, increasing not only their own job satisfaction but also the quality and efficiency of patient care.
Futher reading
- Loh A, Hönigschmid P, Spicker I. Entrepreneurial skills and competencies of general practitioners: Are they sufficient to ensure success in medical practice management?
- Bornemann R, Kalmbach P. Entrepreneurial behavior of general practitioners in Germany: job satisfaction, burnout, and entrepreneurial attitudes.
- Gothe H, Hautvast JLA, Mullee MA, Westert GP, Bhandari M, Freemantle N. Entrepreneurial behavior in German general practice: findings from a nationally representative survey.
- Busse R, Blümel M. The German health care system: Challenges for entrepreneurial physicians.
- Loh A, Hönigschmid P, Spicker I. Entrepreneurial skills and competencies of general practitioners in Austria.
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R2049 