Preparing for unforeseen pandemics like SARS-CoV-2 is now more imperative than ever. If there’s one thing that COVID-19 taught the healthcare community, it’s that preparation for a variety of contingencies is essential for success in areas such as healthcare staffing and workforce solutions.
Preparation Beyond Staffing is the New Norm
Many healthcare providers across the nation realized that staffing preparation was only part of the necessary plan to take on mass patient events. As a result, coordination across departments, exploring new technologies for planning, defined best practices, employee training, and supply chain contingencies are new norms for clinics, hospitals and government agencies.
In addition, the reality that clinicians across the spectrum are turning away from healthcare professions, with many leaving their careers altogether is troubling.
In fact, according to HHS, up to 54% of nurses and physicians, and up to 60% of medical students and residents are suffering from burnout. And, as a result of the pandemic, more than 50% of public health workers are reporting feelings of anxiety, depression, and even increased levels of PTSD1.
To learn more about the way nurses are feeling, read 2021 AMN Healthcare Survey of Registered Nurses: Nursing and the Nation: Extreme Challenges, Extraordinary Impact
But How do We Respond?
1. Adequate Personnel Planning
Healthcare facilities experienced staffing demand that stretched their ability to provide care for unforeseen quantities of patients. In fact, Becker’s Hospital Review reported earlier this year that 19% of hospital systems are still critically understaffed2.
How to Plan: While many healthcare providers already plan for additional personnel in periods of high need (think winter flu season/summer births), this must be the year-round model going forward.
2. Clinicians are People, too
While we look to clinicians for their knowledge, tenacity and can-do attitudes, we must realize they are human and must be given breathing room, acknowledgement and necessary timeouts/time off.
How to Plan: Whether it’s a quiet room where staff can escape, special resources (EAPs), a welcoming environment for contingency personnel, or simply giving a greeting in the hallway, mental health is mental wealth.
3. The New Role Technology Plays
Updates to technology often come at such a rapid pace that announcements go in one ear and out the other. Now’s the time to listen. During the pandemic AI/Predictive modeling played a major role in things like vaccination coordination, staffing levels, and supply coverage.
How to Plan: Using artificial intelligence (AI) can create intuitive models for staffing, giving facilities an upper hand when planning for unknown contingencies. With technology working behind the scenes, it’s easier for facility personnel to assist patients and creating welcoming environments.
4. Partnerships Can be a Lifesaver
Building partnerships with companies who have the right infrastructure are an important way to solve problems. With turnkey solutions that can help staff, coordinate and carry out even the most basic needs, healthcare providers can concentrate on care.
Case in Point: In late 2020, when COVID-19 vaccinations became available, there was a moment where the nation had a collective response of “now what?” The daunting task of vaccinating over 300,000,000 people became a challenge.
To help, FEMA turned to AMN Healthcare. Because we are a leader in offering solutions well beyond staffing, our task of helping FEMA vaccinate the Eastern Coast of the country (27 states and 3 territories) required persistent communications, scheduling efforts, and much more.
Exceptional Ratings
With EXCEPTIONAL ratings from FEMA in six key areas, we got it right. To learn more about how we helped FEMA achieve their mission, download Implementing a Nationwide COVID-19 Vaccination Plan from the Ground Up, by completing the short form here.
Sources
1Health and Human Services, Addressing Health Worker Burnout: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Thriving Health Workforce, https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/health-worker-wellbeing-advisory.pdf
2Becker’s Hospital Review, 19% of US hospitals critically understaffed, 21% anticipate shortages: Numbers by state, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/workforce/19-of-us-hospitals-critically-understaffed-21-anticipate-shortages-numbers-by-state.html