Empowering Healthcare Part One: Strategic Workforce Planning, Team-Based Care, and Technological Advancements

Healthcare leaders face the pressing challenge of aligning their physician workforce with broader strategic goals. Ensuring a steady pipeline of clinical talent, enhancing team collaboration, and integrating cutting-edge technologies are pivotal steps toward achieving these objectives.

This two-part blog series is curated from insightful content shared in our recent Becker’s Hospital Review webinar with Meredith Lapointe and clinical leaders. You can access the recording here.

Addressing the Impending Retirement Wave

The healthcare sector is on the brink of a significant transformation as about a third of physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) approach retirement age by 2030.  Forward-thinking approaches are needed to address this impending retirement wave and create a robust foundation for the future. Intermountain Health is an example of one organization that is doing this by proactively building partnerships with medical schools, residency programs, and training initiatives to ensure a continuous influx of clinical talent.

Similarly, Sentara Health is developing comprehensive models that consider changes in clinician supply and productivity, growth targets by specialty, and utilization drivers by risk segmentation. These predictive strategies are essential for meeting future healthcare demands and ensuring a stable and prepared workforce.

Innovative Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Clinicians

To attract and retain top clinical professionals, healthcare organizations are implementing creative solutions. Here are three examples:

• Intermountain Health is leveraging technology such as ambient listening tools and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to alleviate the documentation burden on physicians, thereby improving recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, they are deploying chat GPT in in-baskets to further reduce administrative tasks.
• Phoenix Children's has adopted flexible work models, allowing psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners to choose schedules that suit their preferences, fostering a better work-life balance. Additionally, they are leveraging telehealth with licensed clinical social workers to support universal suicide screening.
• Sentara Health is focusing on creating growth opportunities through development pathways and leadership programs. By investing in their clinicians' professional development, they are cultivating a motivated and dedicated workforce ready to tackle the challenges of modern healthcare.

Enhancing Collaboration Through Team-Based Care Models

Collaboration among healthcare professionals is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Johns Hopkins Medical Systems emphasizes the importance of fostering a cohesive team where physicians, nurse practitioners, nursing staff, allied health personnel, and support staff work together harmoniously. This team-based care model ensures that every member contributes to the patient's well-being, leading to enhanced care delivery.

Sentara Health is maximizing the potential of registered nurses (RNs) by leveraging them to operate at the top of their license. They have implemented protocol-based RN clinics in various specialties, freeing up physician time for more complex cases. Similarly, Phoenix Children's has introduced a shared governance model, promoting effective communication and collaboration among all providers.

At the University of Chicago Medicine, improving information sharing is a priority. Ensuring that data travels seamlessly with the patient through the system supports providers in delivering comprehensive care, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes.

Embracing Technological Advancements

Technological innovations are revolutionizing the healthcare industry, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing workforce efficiency.

AMN Healthcare utilizes technology and artificial intelligence to match clinicians with the right roles and locations, significantly improving recruitment and retention efforts.  AMN is also a leader in the development of predictive scheduling – with 20 years of innovation – and other tech solutions are also being employed to boost workforce efficiency. These advancements not only optimize resource allocation but also empower healthcare providers to focus on delivering high-quality patient care.

By addressing the impending retirement wave, adopting innovative attraction and retention strategies, enhancing team collaboration, and embracing technological advancements, healthcare organizations can build a resilient and empowered workforce. These efforts are essential for navigating the complexities of modern medicine and ensuring a bright future for healthcare delivery.

Watch the full recorded webinar here to glean more insights.