What You Should Know:
– A new report by Philips, the Future Health Index 2024, paints a concerning picture of the healthcare industry struggling with significant staffing shortages.
– The report, based on a survey of 3,000 healthcare leaders across 14 countries, reveals how this crisis is impacting both staff and patients.
Burnout and Backlogs: The Human Cost of Staff Shortages
The report reveals a concerning trend – nearly two-thirds (66%) of healthcare leaders report increased burnout, stress, and mental health issues among their staff. This translates into a real impact on patient care, with over three-quarters (77%) of leaders experiencing delays due to staff shortages. Patients face longer wait times for appointments, procedures, and even essential preventive care.
Automation: A Double-Edged Sword
Healthcare leaders overwhelmingly agree (92%) that automation can be a valuable tool to address staff shortages by handling repetitive tasks. However, the report also reveals apprehension among staff (65%) regarding the potential impact of automation on quality assurance and job security. Striking a balance between automation and human expertise will be crucial.
Virtual Care: Bridging the Gap
Virtual care has emerged as a bright spot in the fight against staff shortages. A staggering 89% of healthcare leaders report positive impacts on staffing with virtual care solutions. These solutions offer more flexible work schedules for healthcare professionals (54%) and create new career opportunities, leading to increased staff satisfaction.
Remote Patient Monitoring: Empowering Patients and Easing Burden on Staff
Remote patient monitoring offers a win-win situation for both patients and staff. Patients can experience more positive healthcare experiences while reducing the strain on overstretched hospital personnel. Leaders see a significant role for remote monitoring in the future, with planned expansions into areas like telestroke care, maternal and fetal health, and postoperative care.
AI: Stepping Up for Clinical Decision Support
Last year’s FHI report indicated planned investments in AI, and this year’s results show progress. AI for clinical decision support is already being used for in-hospital patient monitoring (43%), and further investments are planned. Additionally, a majority of leaders are exploring generative AI technologies.
Financial Sustainability: Balancing Growth with Environmental Responsibility
The report also highlights the financial challenges faced by healthcare institutions. A significant portion (59%) are unable to invest in new technologies due to financial constraints. However, a future-proof solution requires balancing cost concerns with growth and environmental responsibility. Notably, 86% of healthcare leaders believe reducing the environmental impact of healthcare should be a top priority.“Increasingly, we’re seeing long wait times and staff shortages making it difficult for people to get timely access to care when and where needed. The Future Health Index 2024 global findings show health leaders believe these barriers to access to quality care are getting larger,” said Shez Partovi, Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer at Philips. “This year’s report shows how innovations including AI are helping to free up time for staff and reduce wait times for patients. However, as health systems roll out AI tools to save time and reduce barriers to care, it’s critical to bring staff along on the journey to ensure an inclusive AI rollout with patient and clinician experience is at the forefront.”