The healthcare sector is facing a perfect storm: severe staffing shortages, rising patient demands and the lingering effects of the pandemic. This combination not only impacts healthcare workers but threatens the quality and accessibility of patient care.
The Scope of the Crisis
Staffing shortages are expected to continue to burden hospitals and healthcare systems due to an aging population, increased patient acuity, and mass burnout and job dissatisfaction. Key statistics from 2020 to 2024 include:
- Hospital employment has decreased by nearly 94,000 employees.
- Some departments have seen turnover rates rise from 18% to 30%, particularly emergency, intensive care and nursing.
- Hospitals have seen a 15.6% increase in labor expenses per adjusted discharge.
- The number of full-time equivalent staff per adjusted occupied bed has decreased by nearly 3%. Simultaneously, patient acuity has increased by nearly 6%.
The consequences of this shortage are far-reaching. Providers are struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels, leading to longer wait times, less time spent with patients and ultimately, reducing the overall effectiveness of healthcare systems and hospitals. Additionally, the financial implications are significant, as understaffing can greatly impact revenue and operational efficiency.
How to Overcome the Shortage
Addressing the healthcare worker shortage requires a multi-faceted approach. Some effective strategies organizations can develop to mitigate the workforce crisis and ensure the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system are:
- Support Mental Health: Prioritize accessible wellness and mental health programs and foster supportive work environments to combat burnout and optimize retention. Given that 56% of nurses are experiencing burnout, the role of mental health support in healthcare systems is more important than ever.
- Enhance Recruitment: Build a talent pipeline by partnering with educational institutions to develop programs that lead directly into healthcare careers. Organizations should also explore international recruitment to fill vacancies and gain different perspectives to improve patient care.
- Leverage Technology: Adopt innovative technology solutions to automate tasks, improve efficiency and enhance patient care. By streamlining administrative burdens and empowering employees to focus on patients, technology can significantly contribute to a more sustainable workforce.
How RCM&D Can Help
By partnering with RCM&D, you can enhance operations, improve patient outcomes and achieve optimal performance. We understand the complexities of the healthcare landscape and the critical role of a strong workforce. Our suite of holistic healthcare solutions is designed to help organizations overcome these challenges.
Employee Benefits:
- Comprehensive employee benefit and mental health programs to support well-being and reduce burnout.
- Financial planning and retirement services to help employees secure their financial future.
Risk Management:
- Workers’ compensation to protect employees in case of workplace injuries.
- Employee screening and onboarding to ensure a safe and compliant workplace.
- Safety programs and incentives to promote a culture of safety and prevent accidents.
Technological Expertise:
- Efficient benefit administration to streamline HR processes.
- Patient care technology services to improve patient outcomes and efficiency.
- Potential underwriting discounts for leveraging technology to enhance patient care and safety.
Reach Out to an Advisor
Contact an RCM&D advisor to discuss your organization’s unique needs and learn more about how we can help you build a more resilient and engaged team.