One of the most pressing challenges in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape has been Healthcare Staffing Challenges. The demand for healthcare services continues to rise, and traditional responses have fallen short of meeting the need. This article explores these workforce challenges and why healthcare organizations increasingly turn to automation and digital solutions to address these issues.

Addressing Healthcare Workforce Challenges with Remote Patient Monitoring

A new EY Global Voices in Health Care Study 2023 reports on innovative strategies to address Healthcare Staffing challenges. Based on interviews with 56 health executives and 48 clinicians, the survey reveals the various challenges related to staffing shortages. These challenges include traditional responses, such as increased pay, new roles, and educational pipelines. However, there is a growing recognition of the potential of automation and digital solutions. In fact, 39% of health executives are turning to automation and digital solutions to alleviate healthcare staffing challenges.

One common theme is the introduction of new roles to relieve the burden on clinicians in response to healthcare staffing challenges. For instance, virtual and Remote Patient Monitoring nurses are being added to streamline processes and enhance patient care. The virtual nurse role is often focused on admission and discharge, patient support technicians, and dedicated clinical coaches. 

The survey also highlights the importance of involving clinicians in addressing healthcare staffing challenges. By soliciting input from clinicians, health systems have reduced the burden on healthcare professionals. This approach has led to identifying outdated policies that add unnecessary time and eliminating duplicative clicks, resulting in more efficient care delivery.

Digital Solutions to Free Up Clinician Time 

As the survey indicates, some health systems are turning to digital solutions to free up clinician time and manage increased patient demand in the face of healthcare staffing challenges. Self-service kiosks in emergency rooms, badge taps for quick log-ins, and voice-to-text for documentation are examples of these digital innovations.

Moreover, empowering patients to take a more active role in their care is an approach gaining traction in addressing healthcare staffing challenges. Digital front doors and apps are being introduced to help patients manage their conditions and take timely actions to improve their health.

The Role of Technology in Healthcare and Addressing Healthcare Staffing Challenges

While the survey showcases the growing importance of technology in healthcare, it also reveals a divide in perspectives. Executives cite better use of technology (47%) and preventative care (27%) as key changes needed, while clinicians are more skeptical about the role of technology in addressing healthcare staffing challenges. This discrepancy highlights the need for a bridge between technology and healthcare professionals. Remote patient monitoring is one bridge that can benefit both patients and clinicians.

Bridging the Gap: Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote patient monitoring (RPM), a key digital health service, offers a promising solution to the healthcare staffing challenges. With RPM, patients are monitored outside traditional healthcare settings with remote patient monitoring devices. The patient’s daily measurements are automatically transmitted to their physician providing them with timely vital sign data. The following sections outline why remote patient monitoring is emerging as a key solution. 

More Time for Clinicians 

By continuously tracking vital signs and patient data, remote monitoring minimizes the need for frequent in-person visits, freeing up valuable clinician time to address healthcare staffing challenges. Additionally setting up an efficient remote patient monitoring workflow enables them to focus on more critical tasks and patients who require immediate care. In fact, with proper implementation, RPM can increase healthcare organizations’ revenue. 

Enhanced Patient Experience 

Patients can manage their conditions from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for hospitalization, which is particularly valuable during healthcare staffing challenges. This leads to an improved patient experience, as they have more control over their healthcare while receiving timely interventions. In addition, patient satisfaction with remote patient monitoring is notably high.

One 2023 study reports 93.58% of participants showed satisfaction with their RPM program. Additionally, 92.76% of participants showed a willingness to recommend RPM to individuals with similar health conditions.

Data Insights for Clinicians 

Remote patient monitoring systems provide valuable data insights about specific patient populations, aiding clinicians in addressing healthcare staffing challenges. Clinicians can use this data to tailor care plans and interventions, resulting in improved care and outcomes.

Addressing the Workforce 

In a time when healthcare staffing challenges are a major concern, remote patient monitoring can mitigate the strain on healthcare professionals. It can expand the reach of clinicians, allowing them to care for more patients without needing physical presence. In a single case study, a remote patient monitoring department efficiently oversaw 1200 patients across 18 RPM programs. Their duties cover ongoing health data analysis and maintaining regular communication between patients or caregivers and physicians. 

Leveraging Remote Patient Monitoring in Healthcare Staffing Challenges

The EY Global Voices in Health Care Study 2023 underscores the critical importance of technology in addressing healthcare staffing challenges. The role of technology is sometimes met with varying degrees of skepticism. However, digital health solutions emerge as a bridge that can benefit clinicians and patients. As healthcare continues to evolve, digital health and remote patient monitoring services offer solutions to healthcare staffing challenges and improving the overall healthcare experiences.

Whether your healthcare partners are interested in adopting remote patient monitoring to increase patient engagement, create a more efficient workflow, or increase revenue, Tenovi can help you find the best remote patient monitoring solution. You can book a free demo today.

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