Docs’ survey cites
discord at KuakiniThe physicians say the
hospital's administration
has been unresponsive
A survey of doctors affiliated with Kuakini Medical Center shows widespread dissatisfaction with the hospital's administration and management, according to physicians who commissioned the survey.
The survey was conducted by SMS Research and paid for by a group of Kuakini physicians. It was sent June 4 to 275 of the more than 600 doctors affiliated with the facility. Ninety-four, or 34 percent, of physicians who were sent the survey responded.
Doctors who were sent the survey actively participate on the medical staff at the hospital and are listed on the hospital's Web site. Some also have practices in the physician office buildings adjacent to the hospital, said Dr. Andy Oishi, a spokesman for the physicians.
Oishi acknowledged that the survey could have attracted physicians who were more likely to be dissatisfied with the organization. But he believes the survey results confirm physician dissatisfaction is widespread.
Among the survey's findings:
>> 79 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed that the president of Kuakini understands the needs of physicians.Oishi said the survey was modeled on one taken in 1994. At that time, the results were similar, he said.>> 77 percent said they disagreed or strongly disagreed that the hospital's administration communicates clearly with staff.
>> When asked if the hospital administration follows through on implementing decisions, 62 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed, 19 percent somewhat agreed and 17 percent didn't know.
>> 2 percent of respondents strongly agreed they were optimistic about Kuakini's future; 65 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed.
>> 1 percent strongly agreed that they are clear about where Kuakini is headed as an organization; 49 percent strongly disagreed.
"There was a similar amount of dissatisfaction then on the way things are run, the direction taken by the hospital and its ability to carry out its goals. But, basically, the board decided not to act on it. This new study is because the issues are still there," he said.
A copy of the latest survey results was sent to Kuakini Health Systems board of directors along with a letter requesting the board act in the hospital's best interests, Oishi said. This time, the doctors are hoping the board will rectify some of the long-standing problems, he said.
The doctors are also forming a nonprofit organization, the Physician Friends of Kuakini, to advocate that any changes made by the facility would also include the input of a representative group of physicians.
Hospital spokeswoman Donda Spiker said management could not comment on the results of the survey because two lawsuits by physicians are pending against the hospital.
One of those suits involves a former Kuakini hospital board member, Dr. Robert Oishi, which contends Kuakini management improperly removed him from the board. Robert Oishi is not related to Andy Oishi.