It’s easy to see the shortages in healthcare, as there are not enough workers to handle all of the tasks and jobs needed on a daily basis. The shortage has been increasing over the last few years, leading healthcare facilities to look into the causes, how it’s impacting them and their patients, and how they can solve the problem to minimize the impact.
The Causes of Shortages in Healthcare
There are a number of reasons why healthcare facilities may be looking for a locum tenens solution to help cover the shortages they’re experiencing. Some of the most common causes for shortages include the following.
- Burnout – Employees are experiencing burnout and switching to a career in a different industry. As this occurs, though, more employees can suffer burnout and make the same decision.
- Working Conditions – Working conditions can include patient actions, how the healthcare facility operates, and what is expected of workers. Poor working conditions are causing many healthcare workers to look for a new job.
- Retirement – A large amount of healthcare workers are retiring, and there may not be enough new workers coming in to cover all of the open positions.
- Regulations – Some healthcare workers are leaving the industry because of new regulations in place, such as newer vaccine mandates.
How Shortages are Impacting Medical Care
No matter the reason for the shortage, it can have a huge impact on the facility and their patients. Some of the ways it can impact medical care include the following.
- Longer Wait Times for Healthcare – Patients, on average, are waiting a lot longer today to be seen by a doctor. This includes scheduling visits and the wait in the office.
- Higher Turnover for Staff – HIgher turnover rates mean patients don’t get to really know their doctor – and doctors aren’t as familiar with their patients and the medical care they need. This can directly impact the care patients receive.
- Less Time With Medical Professionals – Patients are spending less time on average with medical professionals, which can impact the quality of care they receive in the long run.
Potential Solutions for Staffing Shortages
Though the shortages are a large problem today, there are some solutions available that can help ease the effects and help ensure patients are able to receive the care they need. Some of the potential solutions include the following.
- Temporary Workers – Locum tenens is an excellent way to gain temporary workers to help with a shortage. Locum tenens assignments can be anywhere from a day to a year, so it’s possible to have the coverage needed no matter why extra help is necessary.
- Employee Retention Programs – Employee retention programs are being created to help keep employees working at the facility. These provide benefits for employees to encourage them to stay.
- Improved Wages for Healthcare Staff – Facilities are improving wages, vacation time, and other benefits for healthcare staff to help reduce the potential for burnout and ensure staff have what they need to encourage them to remain with the facility.
Healthcare facilities today will need to look into the direct causes of their shortage to determine how to fix the problem and retain employees longer. To help fill in the gaps, locum tenens can be an excellent option. Look into how it can help now to learn more.
