Articles related to STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION

The trend towards healthcare consolidation continues, with nearly 1,900 hospital mergers reported over two decades and significant variations in ownership changes between hospitals and nursing homes.

As the healthcare sector grapples with staffing shortages, with a significant exodus of over 145,000 professionals since the pandemic, understanding the impact on various specialties and the aging demographic of providers is crucial for navigating the future of healthcare delivery.

Amidst the evolving landscape of healthcare teams, the clarity of roles and regulatory frameworks for physician associates becomes paramount, underscoring the need for adaptation and collaboration among all healthcare professionals.

In an alarming case at the Omaha VA Medical Center, a year-long gap in monitoring the lung imaging registry led to serious patient care oversights, including a veteran’s undiagnosed lung cancer progression. This incident highlights the critical need for continuous and vigilant monitoring in healthcare systems.

The recent suspension of the oncology program at Trios Health, due to a shortage of medical oncologists, highlights a growing national challenge in healthcare staffing, particularly in non-urban areas.

At the 2023 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Annual Conference, a panel of experts discussed solutions to address staff shortages and retain workers in cancer care. The suggestions ranged from offering work-from-home opportunities to gifting small gestures like cookies and wine, with the aim of improving employee retention. The value of flexible working options and compensation were recurring themes, along with the importance of employee recognition programs and discussing career advancement opportunities. Exacerbated by the pandemic, burnout, and early retirements, the shortage of nurses and doctors in cancer centers has become more pressing as Americans grow older and require more oncology services. The panelists emphasized that having visible management, offering flexible working options, and providing employee recognition programs are important steps to retain staff in cancer care. They also discussed the significance of discussing career advancement opportunities and avoiding the use of temporary travel staff to retain employees.