As the demand for quality healthcare services increases, medical facilities must adapt to changes to enhance patients’ wellness and health. Since many healthcare facilities struggle with the growing shortage of skilled professionals, management has to find other ways to boost work efficiency. One solution hospitals can consider is digital health technologies.
These digital tools have become an integral part of modern healthcare systems and have the potential to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. So, what digital solutions can a healthcare facility consider to solve workforce crises today? This article will explain how digital tools are solving the healthcare workforce shortage.
Digital Vendor Management Platforms and AI-Powered Tools
Many healthcare facilities have solved staffing challenges by adopting digital vendor management platforms. For instance, healthcare facilities can use NurseSmart, one of the best digital tools for workforce efficiency, to coordinate several staffing agencies and streamline short-term nurse staffing. With such an advanced platform, medical facilities can now execute basic administrative work, track labor usage, and manage nurses conveniently on the platform without paperwork.
Some facilities also use digital tools and AI technology in treatment. For instance, they use AI tools to predict patient volume and make arrangements to minimize the shortage of healthcare professionals. AI imaging tools can also help their physicians, radiologists, and pathologists with diagnosis to ensure patients know if they have conditions like stroke, cancer, and fracture conditions promptly and accurately.
Medical professionals also use AI chatbots and virtual assistants for direct patient care. These tools help with patient inquiries, scheduling appointments, and the billing process. AI boosts efficiency, eliminates staff shortages, and allows medical professionals to provide better care. Digital and AI tools can answer patient questions, reducing the burden on healthcare providers.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine is one of the transformative solutions healthcare facilities can rely on today. It is one of the best solutions that hospitals in remote or underprivileged areas can use to treat patients. This digital solution enables patients to access healthcare services remotely through virtual consultation, reducing the need to go to the hospital.
Physicians can use remote patient monitoring, which is supported by IoT technology and wearable devices, to check a patient’s health status. This shortens hospital stays and reduces demand for healthcare providers by providing quick and effective medical assistance. The medical staff can also use a digital mental health platform and teletherapy to offer consulting services to patients via online platforms.
In cases where specialist consultation is needed, doctors can use telemedicine to provide immediate advice via live consultations, which solves hospital staffing shortages. This makes it easier for patients to get specialist care even if they are far from the facility. Doctors who adopt this solution offer care across extended areas and can schedule operations or offer treatment at a lower cost.
Blockchain for Healthcare Data
Thanks to Blockchain technology, the healthcare sector is undergoing significant improvements. With Blockchain platforms, healthcare facilities can now maintain all health records in a decentralized data storage system for patients, which saves time and improves efficiency. The best thing about this is that data can be accessed easily, and no one can make alterations. Also, the system is more convenient and secure than paperwork and can help reduce the demand for healthcare staff.
Blockchain aids supply chain management, reducing the chances of getting or using counterfeit drugs. Suppose a facility needs to perform credential verification before hiring a healthcare worker. In that case, Blockchain technology can facilitate this process, allowing the facility to instantly authenticate the candidate’s credentials and fill vacant positions fast. This eliminates any doubts regarding certification and speeds up the hiring procedure.
Technology continues to show great potential and has provided a practical solution for the healthcare workforce crisis by enhancing work efficacy. Therefore, healthcare facilities should consider adopting these solutions to minimize medical professional burnout and improve patient outcomes.
