Client Satisfaction Exit Survey Results
CPHP strives for exceptional customer services. Since 2015, our program has asked every participant to provide feedback via a Client Satisfaction survey upon exit of CPHP involvement. This includes all participants, regardless of referral source or reason for seeking help. The results of these surveys can be found summarized below.
- 85% of survey respondents were VERY SATISFIED with CPHP services.
- Nine out of 10 of impacted participants said they experienced positive change from CPHP involvement.
- Nearly 74% of doctors who enter the program say that they see improvements in their work stress/burnout regardless of the reason for coming to CPHP.
- 85% of participants noted improvement in their professional, personal or interpersonal life
- 82% of participants with professional problems noted improvement in their personal lives
- 79% of participants with personal problems noted improvement in their professional lives.
- 79% of those who received treatment recommendations continue to use said providers post CPHP involvement.
- 99% of CPHP participants completed their involvement successfully.
Reflections from a Physician
Nearly thirty years ago I first came to CPHP when my wife and I were having some marital problems. I must confess the problems were primarily created by me. CPHP’s counseling was so effective. I then knew doctors had a place to go when they had problems.
Fast forward to 2011 as it was discovered that I had prostate cancer and would soon go through radiation treatment. Additionally, I had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease four years earlier. I was in private practice and affiliated with a Front Range hospital. Suddenly I was told that my contract would not be renewed. I knew this was because of concerns about my health issues.
I could appreciate everyone’s concern about my Parkinson’s and its neurological effects and certainly the impending cancer treatments. But the Parkinson’s was a slow progression for me and I was stable. There were no observable symptoms. However, it had become an issue in the workplace, and threatened my career. I wanted to make sure I was safe to practice as well. Drawing from my previous experience with CPHP I knew their mission was to work with doctors, so I soon contacted the organization.
Arriving at CPHP I knew I had made the right decision. In addition to the Clinician’s professionalism and helpful counsel, the CPHP Associate Medical Director was wonderfully reassuring.
I was so thankful to the CPHP Clinician prior to the initial appointment. I had spoken with the Clinician on a number of occasions by phone prior to arriving at CPHP. I had a lot of trepidation as I wondered if CPHP was going to automatically tell me I could not practice any more. The Clinician put me at ease by informing me that if I complied with all CPHP requirements for evaluation and treatment and/or monitoring that I would be covered under the “Safe Haven” provision and would not have to disclose my health problems upon renewal of my medical license.
Arriving at CPHP I knew I had made the right decision. In addition to the Clinician’s professionalism and helpful counsel, the CPHP Associate Medical Director was wonderfully reassuring. He administered a series of cognitive tests, which were not difficult for me.
The Associate Medical Director was also evaluating my speech, posture, thinking processes and overall wellbeing to make sure that I was safe to practice. I have always been upfront and honest with others and myself. I do not want to practice if there is any threat to patient safety. In that case, I know it would be time to hang up my shingle. I am highly self-aware and blessed to be stable with Parkinson’s now. Currently I take only one medication to treat this disease. I am also pleased to have the prostate cancer in remission. I am still being monitored by CPHP, but I completely welcome this. As most people know, Parkinson’s is a progressive disease that has to be watched carefully.
This past year I resumed practicing medicine on a part-time basis and am enjoying this new challenge. Further, I am stable neurologically and have no problems. Recently I had to renew my license and was so pleased to utilize the “Safe Haven” provision and answer no to several questions on my reapplication. I was able to do this only because I am known to CPHP, have informed them of my mental and physical conditions, and am complying with all of their requirements for evaluation, treatment and monitoring.
If there are physicians in Colorado who are fearful of contacting CPHP with problems of any kind, I would ask why they are afraid. They need not be worried. If a physician has nothing to hide, they will fine. I would reassure physicians that CPHP is not trying to take away our rights as physicians. If you have the slightest doubt about any kind of health issue, I would encourage you to be evaluated by a physician peer at CPHP. After all, it is a service offered to all of us physicians free of charge.
Finally, I am so pleased that CPHP conducts education and awareness throughout the Colorado medical community using a variety of methods. I think the continuation and expansion of this outreach would be helpful to many physicians who may need your resource now or in the future.
Reflections from a Physician Who Referred a Colleague
We were colleagues at the same hospital, and I was asked by the chairman of his department to attend on his case when he was admitted with alcohol-induced problems. I anticipated making an immediate referral to CPHP during his hospitalization. It was clearly medically necessary and appropriate to contact CPHP before he resolved his problems, so that CPHP could engage with him as soon as medically feasible.
There was no apprehension or doubt on my part in regard to making a referral. I notified the chief of staff that this would be required and appropriate and had his full approval, as well as that of the patient’s wife. I was aware of CPHP from a previous referral I had made several years ago. I had learned of CPHP at that time (2003) from the administration at the hospital where I worked.
The CPHP staff was outstanding. CPHP was sensitive to the patient’s medical, psychological, addictive and professional issues, and were very willing to help. CPHP was respectful of the sensitive nature of his situation with regard to privacy and confidentiality. Furthermore, CPHP was supportive, non-punitive, and committed to this physician’s care.
When the time was appropriate, I disclosed fully the nature of my contact with CPHP and the rationale for doing so. I shared with him information provided to me by the CPHP staff, so that he might begin to chart the next steps in his situation. He received this same information well.
CPHP is a terrific avenue to assist physicians who need help and are willing to comply with treatment. CPHP really saved the life and career of a colleague. Thanks for the excellent care, support, and responsiveness.
To a colleague who may have misconceptions or who is fearful or uncertain about contacting CPHP in order to make a similar referral, I would strongly encourage you to make the referral, either for yourself or for someone else. There is no doubt that I did the right thing. I would make this same referral again. I really feel that every aspect of the patient’s care was excellent, both in the intensive care unit and the “dovetail” with his outpatient connection with CPHP.
I am hard-pressed as to how CPHP can better assist physicians and their families. I think CPHP provides a critical, restorative service to a great profession, but a profession that is not immune to addiction and self-destructive behavior. CPHP is a terrific avenue to assist physicians who need help and are willing to comply with treatment. CPHP really saved the life and career of a colleague. Thanks for the excellent care, support, and responsiveness. I felt validated in my care of the patient by the staff, and supported by them, in a very challenging situation.
Reflections from a Medical Staff Services Director at a Hospital
CPHP continues to play an important role at our hospital when physician health issues surface. I must say specifically that CPHP has helped with a variety of questionable health issues, known health issues, physician stress and anxiety, substance abuse, behavioral concerns, boundary issues, work/family balance, personal and family stressors and personal loss. We are also grateful to CPHP as they have provided general education regarding stress in the workplace, how to identify possible substance abuse, and the multitude of services provided which have been most helpful to our physicians.
Our preference in facilitating a referral internally is for the physician to self-refer to CPHP. The referral routinely occurs following repeated incidents of concern or interactions that have taken place in the hospital setting. Hospital and Medical Staff leadership routinely meet with the physician following such incidents and discuss options for them to receive an assessment and/or a treatment plan for concerns that have been identified. CPHP is often recommended, particularly since this service is readily available to Colorado physicians and physician assistants. Once a referral or self-referral is made, CPHP will provide routine follow-up information to the contact person at the hospital.
We really appreciate CPHP for all of their help with our hospital’s medical staff. We find their customized presentations to be especially beneficial. The CPHP clinical team always does a good job for us and communicates on a regular basis with our medical staff and hospital leadership during the physician evaluation and monitoring process. Thank you, CPHP!
Our hospital believes it is vitally important to promote physician health, particularly since physicians don’t always seek the help they need. They are constantly taking care of everyone else and may neglect themselves in the process, though they face the same life issues as everyone else. Healthy, well-rounded physicians provide win-win situations for their own private practices, for the hospital, and for patients and families. CPHP partners with physicians and hospitals to provide this necessary resource.
Our hospital always prefers struggling physicians to self-refer to CPHP. A self-referral allows the physician to get the ball rolling. If the physician does not agree with the recommendation to self-refer, then further steps may be taken to ensure that they obtain the help they need from a CPHP assessment. Our main objective is always to put patient care and safety needs first and to provide a safe and healthy environment for patients, their families, physicians and hospital staff.
I will say that one of the main reasons for CPHP referral from the hospital perspective is poor physician interactions and/or disruptive and intimidating behavior in the workplace with coworkers. For the most part, the assessment and ongoing evaluation by CPHP has been quite helpful in teaching physicians how to manage their stress levels and their interactions in the workplace. I will also attest to the fact that in a majority of cases where physicians have had difficulties at our hospital, the situation has improved with CPHP’s assistance and any subsequent treatment and they remain on staff.
We really appreciate CPHP for all of their help with our hospital’s medical staff. We find their customized presentations to be especially beneficial. The CPHP clinical team always does a good job for us and communicates on a regular basis with our medical staff and hospital leadership during the physician evaluation and monitoring process (with the approval of the referred physician, of course). Thank you, CPHP!
Reflections from a Medical Student
I first contacted CPHP due to some social anxiety issues. I was having difficulty integrating into the medical care team and having trouble communicating with the professional care team at school, even though I had clinical knowledge. The underlying problem had haunted me since early adolescence. These troubles in medical school persisted about six months prior to my contacting CPHP. I did not know the scope of services. I really thought CPHP was where doctors with substance issues or perhaps doctors with criminal records went. However, I soon learned these were all misconceptions and that the spectrum of services was much broader.
Because I was having problems and because my school knew I was having problems, my initiative in seeking help from CPHP was mutually agreed upon. However, I would not have taken that step unless I had been educated about CPHP from school. I was glad that I arrived as soon as I did. I was quite apprehensive about contacting this organization initially out of sheer ignorance. I was worried about the stigma of getting help from CPHP. And I didn’t realize CPHP was separate from the Colorado Medical Board. I was sure there would be legal issues to tackle and that the process would be punitive. It was such a relief to know that CPHP was a referral and monitoring resource.
My initial impression of CPHP and the clinical staff was very positive. I thought my Clinician was fantastic and knowledgeable. The Associate Medical Director at CPHP handled my case really well. He was very understanding of my circumstances. There was immediate gratitude on my part. I also respected the fact that I was dealing with an actual doctor. I was relieved during our meeting together knowing that we were on the path to tackling the problem; I wasn’t going to be alone anymore.
CPHP especially worked well within my schedule.
CPHP has allowed me to work better with my school and to identify the core issues. This organization was a great referral source in working with a number of doctors I needed for my own health care. CPHP was supportive of me while working through school work. With my permission CPHP communicated with my school based on the issues I was facing.
During the initial assessment and ongoing monitoring, I was hesitant as I was asked to complete several tests. It was difficult to be a patient. However, after the initial consultation things were great. CPHP especially worked well within my schedule. I must say the school administration and the dean’s office were both very supportive of my treatment, too.
I think additional financial support is always needed for CPHP. Medical students tend to have limited funds, and doctors’ problems can blossom into personal financial problems. I think that even more communication by CPHP would be great—more medical school presentations and grand rounds. These additional presentations would help to dispel some of the ignorance about CPHP.
To other medical students who are fearful or uncertain about contacting CPHP: It takes strength and bravery, but I can attest that it will pay off. I understand that it’s not pleasant to make this kind of call, but it may be the most important call of your career.