Health care has two sides: care delivery and business sustainability. You can’t have one without the other; both are equally important.

Health care organizations need processes and systems that deliver exceptional patient care and are financially and operationally sustainable. The dyad leadership model is the best way to achieve these often-opposing goals.

What Is a Dyad Leadership Model?

According to the Medical Group Management Association, dyad leadership is a partnership between a non-physician administrative leader and a physician leader to provide strategic and operational oversight. This partnership, or “dyad,” sets the strategic direction of the health care organization and management of day-to-day operations.

In a dyad partnership, physicians assume primary responsibility for the organization’s clinical vision, including approaches to quality and clinician standards . Administrators operationalize the vision, relying on their business acumen: resource management, strategic planning, and fiscal responsibility.

By unifying their efforts through dyad leadership, health care organizations can tailor their services around what will best serve patients’ needs rather than organizational goals alone.

The primary goal is to capitalize on each leader’s expertise, synergistically optimizing clinical and business outcomes. Together, they foster a balanced perspective that allows for developing policies and strategies beneficial to both sides of the health care equation.

Although the term resurfaced in the last five to 10 years, dyad leadership dates back to 1908 at the Mayo Clinic when Dr. Will Mayo recruited Harry Harwick to help him manage the clinic’s growing business and operations. Mayo recognized that truly integrated health care delivery has an administrative side, and that joint leadership is more effective than one without the other.

Advantages of Dyad Leadership

One of the most significant advantages of the dyad model is the complementary expertise that each leader brings to the table. Some of the key advantages include:

Better decision-making. The dyad leadership model creates a dynamic where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. It also reduces power struggles as leaders work together rather than compete for control. It is a collaborative approach that encourages creativity, appreciates diverse perspectives, and fosters transparency. The result is better, more efficient decision-making than could result from the traditional departmental approach.

Improved patient care. A dyad leadership model can help improve patient care by ensuring a strong focus on clinical and operational excellence. The physician leader focuses on patient care as the top priority, while the administrative leader makes sure the organization has the systems and processes in place to deliver high-quality care cost-effectively.

Enhanced communication. The dyad leadership model encourages open communication between clinical leaders and business administrators by establishing a shared goal environment. This approach allows both sides to have a better understanding of the overall objectives of the organization as well as each other’s roles.

Greater efficiency and cost savings. Combining two leadership roles into one team enables greater operational efficiency and cost savings through shared resources.

Utilizing Dyad Leadership Effectively

Organizations must establish clear roles, expectations, and decision-making processes to use dyad leadership effectively. Regular communication between the two leaders is paramount. The relationship must be built on trust, respect, and a shared vision for the organization.

Mentorship and coaching can be beneficial, especially in the initial stages of the dyad partnership. Encouraging both leaders to learn from each other’s expertise and viewpoints can lead to innovative solutions and improved outcomes. Training and development programs aimed at enhancing leadership skills can further facilitate the success of the dyad model.

Impact on Patient and Clinician Satisfaction

When effectively implemented, dyad leadership can significantly impact patient satisfaction. This model ensures that decisions are clinically sound and operationally feasible, enhancing patient care and experience.

Dyad leadership also positively influences clinician satisfaction. Clinicians can feel more engaged as they see leaders involve them in decision-making, ensuring their perspectives and needs are considered. It also offers clinicians a seat at the management table, contributing to a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.

Conclusion

The dyad leadership model holds promise as a solution to balance the dual needs of health care delivery and business sustainability. By leveraging the expertise of both clinical and administrative leaders, health care organizations can make better decisions, improve patient care, and promote financial health for years to come.

With a balance of clinical and operational executives, SCP Health’s leadership model ensures the sustainable delivery of high-quality care.