Increased workloads, undesirable work schedules, lack of competitive wages, and a sense of underappreciation all contributed to the mass exodus of healthcare workers who left the workforce over the past two years. According to the US Bureau of Labor, the quit rate among healthcare workers is at an all-time high, approximately 2.8%. Healthcare workers will continue to find other opportunities if organizations do not address these concerns and find solutions to reduce burnout among these individuals. This begs the question – how can organizations retain their current employees while attracting new ones to join their team?
Simple – it boils down to a supportive work environment and worker appreciation. Employees want to feel confident and unburdened with their daily tasks and know that their managers value their efforts. So, what does this work environment look like? How can organizations provide this support with increasing staffing shortages and limited resources?
One way is to provide additional support through AI-powered services to reduce burnout among healthcare professionals that are experiencing an overwhelming workload with limited time and resources. These tech-enabled services are quickly permeating into health systems to improve efficiencies and relieve the stress and burden placed on the human workforce by identifying and prioritizing patients that need immediate review. Ultimately, the goal is to give healthcare providers more focus on patient care with minimal disruptions in daily workflow. With the recent increase in staffing shortages and continued rise in demand for medical care, healthcare institutions are quickly adopting innovative ways to improve daily workflows without compromising patient care. Technology-guided support can reduce burnout and employee dissatisfaction, thus reducing the high turnover rate health systems continue to experience.
Pharmacy organizations quickly adapted to managing increased workloads with limited staffing resources. Countermeasures included telepharmacy services to accommodate these drastic work conditions, reduce the disruption in daily workflows, streamline current processes to improve efficiencies, and retain their current staff. Allowing pharmacists to work remotely conferred flexibility, promoted a healthy work-life balance, and improved overall employee satisfaction. Telepharmacy services will continue to expand as organizations seek ways to sustain a leaner workforce that can handle a higher volume of patient care without compromising employee satisfaction.
About the author:
Stephanie is the lead pharmacist at Illuminate Health. She is a proven PharmD professional and leader with 8+ years’ experience in evaluating drug therapies, products, and information for precise care and optimal collaboration with MDs and nurses. Reliable skillset in pharmacy management, training and development, and strategic problem solving. Impacting organizations and improving health care system through cross-functional leadership and analytical skills.