Navigating the healthcare workforce shortage

Empowering healthcare professionals means providing them with the necessary support, training, and resources to excel in their roles. This includes flexible learning solutions such as hybrid education and real-time remote services that provide immediate expert guidance. “Empowerment is also about having the right support when needed,” says Nanci Wozniak, Senior Vice President Strategy and New Business at Siemens Healthineers.

By investing in personal well-being and mental health, organizations can ensure that their employees are equipped to handle the demands of their profession, ultimately leading to better patient care and job satisfaction. “People are our greatest asset, and when they feel supported, valued, and engaged, they are better equipped to provide the kind of care that you and I would want to receive as a patient,” says Tan Yujuan, CEO of Parkway Radiology & Parkway MediCentre, IHH Healthcare, Singapore.

Effective healthcare is always a team effort. AI-powered tools and automation can simplify complexity and strengthen teams across all skill levels, improve efficiency, reduce repetitive tasks, and allow healthcare professionals to reduce stress by freeing up time. “As efficiency improves, it is important that the time saved is not just used to increase caseloads. People need time for a break,” says Professor Neil M. Rofsky, MD, chair of the Department of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology at Mount Sinai Health System, New York, USA. But technology alone is not enough to fill the gaps and provide solutions where the healthcare system faces shortages. The FlexForce program addresses workforce shortages by providing fully trained staff, helping teams to remain resilient.

As all parts of the larger healthcare puzzle need to fit together, it’s not only the individuals and their teams that require the attention of a healthcare organization: The organization itself shapes the environment. Transforming organizations requires a strategic approach that prioritizes workplace culture, efficiency, and employee well-being. “At Mount Sinai, our goal is to teach coaching strategies at all levels,” says Rofsky. This includes approaches that encourage communication, strategic questioning, and techniques that use emotional intelligence, to contribute to a solution-focused culture.

A commitment to organizational transformation and making employee well-being a priority across the whole organization helps both people and innovation to thrive. “By investing in people and technology, labs can shape the workplace of tomorrow and create an environment where employees want to stay and grow,” says Keck. With optimized workflows, efficient resource management, and the integration of technology to streamline processes, healthcare professionals can focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional care.