Clinical process management as a theoretical model for psychosocial well-being in hospital physicians
Gestión de procesos clínicos como modelo teórico para el bienestar psicosocial en médicos hospitalariosMain Article Content
Latin American public hospitals face significant crisis in medical staff psychosocial well-being, evidenced by 62% of Ecuadorian physicians considering their workload unmanageable. Objective: To analyze the theoretical-conceptual framework of clinical process management for psychosocial risk reduction in hospital physicians. Method: Conceptual theoretical review through systematic documentary analysis of 57 scientific references specialized in health management and medical occupational well-being, published 2015-2025. Four theoretical foundations were identified: Theory of Diagnostic Uncertainty Reduction, Theory of Specific Cognitive Load, Theory of Equitable Distribution of Care Load, and Theory of Medical Professional Self-Efficacy. Results: Clinical process management is articulated through four strategies with sixteen operational components. Four causal mechanisms were identified: clinical standardization reduces diagnostic uncertainty, flow optimization decreases cognitive load, balanced management prevents overload, and quality-safety systems improve professional self-efficacy. Discussion: Theories converge demonstrating that physicians face differentiated psychosocial challenges requiring specific interventions. Conclusion: Clinical process management constitutes scientifically-based systemic intervention transcending generic administrative approaches, requiring specific conceptual frameworks for hospital medical staff.
Los hospitales públicos latinoamericanos enfrentan crisis significativa en el bienestar psicosocial médico, evidenciada por 62% de médicos ecuatorianos que considera su carga inmanejable. Objetivo: Analizar el marco teórico-conceptual de la gestión de procesos clínicos para reducción del riesgo psicosocial en médicos hospitalarios. Método: Revisión teórica conceptual mediante análisis documental sistemático de 57 referencias científicas especializadas en gestión sanitaria y bienestar laboral médico, publicadas 2015-2025. Se identificaron cuatro fundamentos teóricos: Teoría de Reducción de Incertidumbre Diagnóstica, Teoría de Carga Cognitiva Específica, Teoría de Distribución Equitativa de Carga Asistencial, y Teoría de Autoeficacia Profesional Médica. Resultados: La gestión de procesos clínicos se articula mediante cuatro estrategias con dieciséis componentes operacionales. Se identificaron cuatro mecanismos causales: estandarización clínica reduce incertidumbre diagnóstica, optimización de flujos disminuye carga cognitiva, gestión equilibrada previene sobrecarga, y sistemas calidad-seguridad mejoran autoeficacia profesional. Discusión: Las teorías convergen demostrando que médicos enfrentan desafíos psicosociales diferenciados requiriendo intervenciones específicas. Conclusión: La gestión de procesos clínicos constituye intervención sistémica científicamente fundamentada que trasciende aproximaciones administrativas genéricas, requiriendo marcos conceptuales específicos para personal médico hospitalario.
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