VISTA Workforce Optimization

The nature of the work physicians do — helping people overcome illnesses, managing chronic conditions, and even saving lives — is perhaps the most significant source of job satisfaction among providers. But the role they play is a double-edged sword. Physicians must live with the psychological consequences of not being able to help people heal. A physician may witness one or more patients die during their shift, yet must return to work ready to provide the same high-quality care whether they are emotionally or mentally prepared to do so.

When clinician turnover happens in your healthcare organization, it is very tempting to fill the position as quickly as possible. A vacancy can add strain to an already overtaxed pool and result in a lapse in inpatient care.

Consider the fact that, according to Forbes, high performers are as much as 800% more productive than their colleagues. And they cost the same as any other employee.

The healthcare industry is rapidly changing, and healthcare systems need innovative solutions to meet increasing demands. With the uncertainty of the pandemic and the various staffing challenges that have arisen, it has become increasingly important to partner with a healthcare staffing firm. Your patients need your undivided attention, which can be challenging to do when you're continually looking for top clinicians.

The medical profession is a complicated one to navigate at the moment. Hiring physicians is especially challenging in this environment. But despite these challenges, it remains true that staffing your facility with high-performing individuals is the surest (and, really, the only) way to create a successful medical organization. The question then becomes: how does your organization overcome any staffing challenges that could potentially impede the progress?

Healthcare providers have a tremendous capacity to help heal people within their community. The issue is that often, not everyone within that community has an equal opportunity to receive the highest quality care based on circumstances often outside their control. A systemic attempt to correct these imbalances is known as striving for health equity.

Since the spread of COVID-19, hospitals across the country have suffered a shortage of critical care providers due to the increased demand brought on by the healthcare crisis. The U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of over 7,900 critical care physicians due to COVID-19. Subsequently, many hospitals need critical care physicians, but it can be challenging to find the right candidates within the time they need them. 

Hospitals face particular challenges in critical care physician staffing, which VISTA's Rapid Response Recruitment Solutions can help overcome.

According to Deloitte, 51% to 60% of hospitals could hit negative margins by 2025. The healthcare industry is notoriously difficult to manage, given the constant payer mix changes, regulatory pressures, and rising labor costs. Behind the veil of regulatory frictions and insurance confusion, tangible ways to contain and control costs can offer immediate relief. Reducing turnover can significantly reduce your costs, improve quality of care, and help you build sustainable and stable financial models to tackle the other challenges. 

The average healthcare system is no stranger to financial pressures. Even back in 2017, Deloitte estimated that over 50% of hospitals would hit negative margins by 2025 due to payer mix changes, regulatory frictions, and rising labor costs (which are primarily fueled by hyper-competitive fields like physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Now, with COVID-19, an accelerated regulatory atmosphere, a shift in practice habits (e.g., the rise of virtual visits), and shaky supply chains, the pressure to build resilient healthcare revenue streams has never been higher.

Rural hospitals face multiple challenges in providing care to their patients. Issues such as reliable transportation, an inability to find staff willing to work in their area, and a general lack of resources compared to urban centers can impact patient care. These challenges aren't insurmountable, and healthcare organizations can help mitigate them by turning to telehealth.