9-2 Short Paper
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University of Miami *
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Health Science
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Nov 24, 2024
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docx
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The Impending Healthcare Staffing Crisis: Issues and Solutions
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Introduction
The lack of qualified healthcare workers has become a significant problem with far-
reaching repercussions for the industry. According to projections, it may be challenging for the
workforce to meet the rising demand for healthcare services. In this article, the staffing problem
in the healthcare sector is examined, along with potential solutions. It looks at how this problem
impacts the three pillars of healthcare—access, quality, and cost.
The Situation Right Now
The healthcare industry is a crucial part of the nation's infrastructure because of the
intricate relationships between quality, access, and cost. However, a problem with the staff is
going to occur. Particularly important in this equation are nurses (Okeagu et al., 2021). The
COVID-19 epidemic and the nursing shortage caused several difficulties.
Effect on Healthcare Quality
A well-managed healthcare system is necessary to maintain the standard of treatment.
Increased nurse-patient ratios brought on by shortages may jeopardize patient safety and results.
Research shows adequate nurse staffing levels are linked to higher patient satisfaction and results
(Okeagu et al., 2021). These essential components of healthcare quality may suffer from
shortages.
Supply of Care
A core patient right is access to timely and sufficient healthcare services. A lack of
personnel may obstruct this access. Consequences might include increased wait times, postponed
treatments, and less available appointment times (Sheard, 2020). Due to a lack of healthcare
professionals, access to necessary medical treatments may be restricted in rural regions.
Financial Implications
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The financial effects of a personnel shortfall are significant. As demand outpaces supply,
the cost of hiring and maintaining healthcare workers increases. Hospitals may use pricey
temporary workforce alternatives, further taxing their resources (Sheard, 2020). A vicious cycle
occurs when there are staffing shortages coupled with attrition and burnout among current
healthcare workers.
The Think Tank for Nurse Staffing
Initiatives like the Nurse Staffing Think Tank have been developed due to the severity of
the problem. To create long-lasting solutions, these initiatives bring together nursing experts,
legislators, and leaders in the healthcare industry (Sheard, 2020). Their suggestions include
openness, adaptable schedules, pay, and employee welfare.
The Use of Smartphones as a Fix
Cellphones are one cutting-edge approach to enhancing productivity and communication
in healthcare settings. Inefficiencies caused by antiquated communication technology affect
patient care. A complete answer is provided by smartphones, which let medical staff members
interact easily and obtain vital data right at the point of service (Okeagu et al., 2021). They may
aid in streamlining processes and prioritizing patient needs.
The Healthcare Triangle
A successful healthcare system is built on the three pillars of quality, access, and
affordability. Staffing issues throw off this equilibrium. The labor is overworked, access is
limited owing to lengthier wait times, and prices increase due to difficult hiring circumstances
and temporary employment expenditures (Sheard, 2020).
Quality
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Healthcare quality is of utmost importance. The foundation of quality is enough
personnel. A lack of personnel may prevent medical professionals from giving each patient the
time and attention they need, resulting in mistakes and unfavorable outcomes (Sheard, 2020). It
is generally known that nurse staffing levels and quality indicators like patient fatality rates
correlate.
Access
Staffing levels have a direct impact on access to healthcare services. Patient outcomes
may be compromised by longer wait times for visits and treatments, especially in urgent care
situations (Okeagu et al., 2021). Patients are forced to travel great distances for medical care due
to staffing challenges in rural locations.
Cost
Healthcare cost reduction is a constant concern. Staffing shortfalls are a factor in rising
costs. Hospitals and healthcare institutions must spend money on hiring and keeping talented
employees, sometimes at high costs (Sheard, 2020). The cost of hiring temporary employees and
paying current employees overtime is also included.
Conclusion
Healthcare staffing shortages are a complex problem with significant effects on quality,
accessibility, and cost. Projections show that it will continue if this problem is not resolved right
now. A glimmer of optimism may be found in programs like the Nurse Staffing Think Tank,
encouraging cooperation and discussion to identify long-term fixes. In this setting, smartphones
are a practical tool to improve operations and communication, perhaps easing some of the
difficulties brought on by workforce shortages. A thorough strategy that considers personnel
recruitment, retention, and well-being is essential to balance the healthcare triangle. Our capacity
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to properly manage the staffing shortage will determine how high-quality, affordable, and
accessible healthcare is in the future.
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References
Okeagu, C. N., Reed, D. S., Sun, L., Colontonio, M. M., Rezayev, A., Ghaffar, Y. A., ... & Kaye,
A. D. (2021). Principles of supply chain management in the time of crisis. Best Practice
& Research Clinical Anaesthesiology, 35(3), 369-376.
Sheard, L., & Peacock, R. (2020). Fiddling while Rome burns? Conducting research with
healthcare staff when the NHS is in crisis. Journal of health organization and
management, 34(1), 77-84.
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