Optimizing Capacity for Healthcare’s Future with Brian McKillop
The latest episode of the Elevate Care Podcast shines a spotlight on the critical topic of optimizing capacity in healthcare. Hosted by Nishan Sivathasan, the conversation features Brian McKillop, President of Locums at AMN Healthcare, who shares insights on strategic workforce planning and the tools leaders need to meet future demands.
Strategic Workforce Planning in Healthcare
Healthcare systems often grapple with sudden patient demand shifts and workforce variability. While systems often have data on aspects like patient demographics, the challenge lies in integrating workforce data into actionable strategies. A larger focus on long-term planning is now replacing reactive approaches, allowing organizations to tackle gaps in care more effectively.
The Role of Data in Workforce Optimization
Data is central to any robust workforce planning strategy. By deploying tools like AI-powered dashboards, healthcare leaders can analyze real-time scenarios. For example, they can evaluate the financial impact of using locum tenens versus transitional roles like CRNAs to fill staffing gaps. This plug-and-play capability empowers leaders to make data-backed decisions with confidence.
Flexibility as the Future
Increasing labor costs and evolving patient needs underscore the importance of flexibility in staffing. Healthcare organizations are exploring solutions like short-term shifts, virtual care roles, and innovative staffing models to address workforce shortfalls while maintaining quality care.
One striking example involves replacing retiring anesthesiologists. With the long time to fill and high cost of permanent placements, alternatives such as locum tenens physicians or role redistribution among CRNAs provide effective temporary solutions. This approach helps systems maintain both patient care and revenue during transitional periods.
Collaborative Solutions for Sustainable Results
Successful workforce strategies involve deep collaboration. AMN Healthcare’s approach focuses on working side by side with healthcare leaders to tailor scalable, data-driven solutions. This partnership extends from in-depth data analysis to refining execution strategies, ensuring seamless integration.
Looking Ahead
With labor accounting for over 50% of operating costs in many health systems, leaders cannot afford to delay strategic workforce planning. From flexible staffing options to AI-enabled dashboards, this episode offers strategic insights for tackling today’s workforce challenges head-on.
Catch the full episode to learn more about how data and innovation are shaping the future of healthcare staffing.
