For every patient consultation, physicians spend nearly two additional hours on Electronic Health Record (EHR) and related admin tasks during their shift. As a result, primary care providers are burdened with paperwork and unable to give patients sufficient care as outlined by clinical practice guidelines.
A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine further highlighted that a primary care physician would need to dedicate 26.7 hours per day for a successful patient journey.
According to Brian White, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of DoorSpace a stressful healthcare environment inevitably leads to exhaustion, burnout, and attrition. With 14 years of experience in business development and B2B software sales, White has supported organisations in leveraging technology for efficiency and improved customer experiences. His area of expertise demonstrates that technology can lend a helping hand to alleviate the burden on clinicians when it comes to administrative workload.
At present, the recommended guidelines for clinicians surpass what can be realistically achieved and this has created a challenging situation for the healthcare workforce. Data science could provide a solution to these challenges by analysing information to determine the effectiveness of each guideline. This could empower clinicians and help them prioritise their skills for better patient outcomes.
Data science for healthcare talent retention
The availability and retention of clinical talent have an impact on the development and sustainability of healthcare infrastructure in the face of increasing patient demands and complex medical challenges.
"Qualified and talented healthcare professionals play a vital role in the success and sustainability of healthcare infrastructure globally. As the healthcare sector evolves, the demand for these professionals only intensifies," said Sunil Kumar, CEO, The DataFlow Group. Kumar draws on over 25 years of global management experience across the manufacturing and professional services industries.
Related: Top 4 challenges of EHR implementation
Kumar further added: “Developing and implementing global competency frameworks is the most effective approach to attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. But it is not just about processes; it is about people. Simplifying the global mobility of skilled professionals through migration and recruitment processes is a key solution to attracting and hiring expatriate healthcare personnel.”
Streamline operations with data science
Data science now helps health providers identify areas in healthcare that need attention and intervention to improve patient outcomes.
Analysis of data further aids them in making evidence-based decisions. This not only ensures that their efforts are aligned with effective guidelines, but also encourages regular evaluation and fine-tuning practices for constant improvement.
“By better streamlining the paperwork process, healthcare organisations can improve operational efficiency, enhance patient care, reduce costs, and ensure regulatory compliance. Embracing technology-driven solutions is vital for healthcare organisations to stay competitive, deliver high-quality care, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes,” said White.
Related: Top 3 electronic health record implementation risks and how to manage them
He emphasised: “Doctors are essential resources in any healthcare organisation, and their time is extremely valuable. By streamlining paperwork processes, doctors can be empowered to focus more on patient care, leading to improved patient outcomes and overall satisfaction.”
Technology can also help save time, reduce errors, and improve accuracy, according to White. “Implementing digital solutions and automating manual processes can minimise human errors in documentation and record-keeping, ultimately enhancing patient safety and reducing the risk of medical errors."
Data science demonstrates additional benefits. It enhances data security while ensuring sensitive patient information remains secure and compliant. Automated processes further welcome efficiency in cost and resources through reduced manual labour.
White added: “Digital systems enable seamless communication and collaboration between different departments and healthcare systems. Aggregating this data creates visibility never before available and can uncover insights into ways to improve across almost all departments.”
Incentives to attract top clinical talent
According to Kumar, streamlining recruitment processes is crucial to attracting the best talent while adhering to legal and regulatory requirements, including qualification and license assessments and verification procedures.
“Collaboration and digitisation among healthcare institutions, government bodies, and key stakeholders with organisations that verify medical professionals' credentials are essential to ensure the viability and credibility of key healthcare personnel. Investing in local healthcare talent through education and training programmes benefits governments and organisations to attract healthcare talent,” he added.
“Incentive and retention programmes, career advancement opportunities, and competitive benefits help promote job stability, reduce staff turnover, and improve patient care. Healthcare-focused events, including job fairs and career networking events, create an invaluable environment for healthcare professionals to connect with organisations and potential employers. These events effectively showcase the numerous advantages of working in the healthcare industry, leading to a noteworthy increase in employment opportunities and staff retention rates,” he said.
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