Training, retaining and recruiting staff should be the top priority for post-acute facilities, Rajeev Kumar MD, president of AMDA-The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, told Becker's.
Regarding nurse shortages, Dr. Kumar said recruiting, training and retaining competent and compassionate staff is a top priority. This process should include allowing them to operate at the top of their license and providing career ladders to enhance their personal growth.
According to Dr. Kumar, facilities also should prioritize recruiting medical specialists such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, nephrologists, infection disease specialists and wound care specialists. These specialists, along with keeping physicians and advanced practice providers in house, can improve care for complex and chronic cases and avoid hospitalizations.
Lastly, Dr. Kumar said getting medical directors trained and certified in medical direction and geriatrics can improve quality assurance and performance improvement.