Healthcare turnover has substantial cost implications, disrupts patient care and saps operational efficiency. These are magnified in smaller clinics where effective IT plays a crucial role in enhancing job satisfaction and engagement across healthcare teams, which can lead to lower turnover. Below are some ways that better IT can help.
Enhancing Teamwork and Morale to Reduce Healthcare Turnover
Advanced IT systems improve communication within healthcare teams, fostering a collaborative and transparent work environment. Often healthcare groups use a group chat or even the built in messaging client of their EHR software. There are better solutions, including Microsoft Teams, that can help keep everyone on the same page and discussions compliant and secure.
Microsoft 365 includes sophisticated communication tools and scheduling software that provide greater control over shifts and work arrangements. When setup correctly, Microsoft Teams and Outlook work great on mobile and can provide insight into tomorrow’s workload without having to jump through a lot of hoops and VPNs, reducing stress and ambiguity about what’s in store for tomorrow.
For roles suitable for telework, IT enables remote work, offering more flexibility and contributing to a better work-life balance. Younger millennial and Gen Z staff expect to have a strong messaging platform and may even prefer messaging over in-person meetings. By offering this to your staff, you can help harness the need to stay connected while balancing the generational preferences of new and upcoming staff providers.
Supporting Professional Growth
IT platforms facilitate continuous learning and professional development, helping staff advance their skills and career paths. Continuing education is required for healthcare workers in most roles, but coordination and execution of training can be tricky. With the proper setup, training platforms can be integrated into the rest of your tools, making login and training that much easier.
Moreover, digital tools support your mentorship programs, pairing new hires with experienced staff and ensuring smooth acclimation and integration into the team. No one wants to be left hanging in their first few days and new employees need some structure and guidance from more experienced employees, even if they’re in a different role. Having someone to call on (or Teams on) when a new employee gets stuck can make a huge difference, giving them a path forward when they’re lost. Good IT makes that easier.
Improving Patient Care and Operational Efficiency to Reduce Healthcare Turnover
Electronic Health Records (EHR) and integrated IT systems minimize administrative burdens and errors, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care. However, this is not a given at most clinics we visit. Oftentimes, the systems don’t play well with each other and require multiple logins to the computer, the software, a hospital VPN, and multiple other systems just to get to the point where the staff member can do their job. This does not have to be the case. We have helped many clients integrate their IT systems with the other systems they work with, reducing logon times and hassle. Imagine walking up to a computer, it sees your face, or you scan a badge, and you’re in the systems you need and ready to rock and roll. These kinds of efficiencies aren’t just limited to hospitals anymore; we can help set that up and make life easier on everyone.
This shift not only increases job satisfaction but also enhances the quality of care, thereby influencing staff retention positively. The name of the game is providing great care to patients and that’s what healthcare providers want to do. So, remove all the red tape stopping them from being able to work. Get your systems integrated with each other by reaching out and talking to one of our technical advisors. We have the direction your clinic needs to move towards a simpler future.
Financial and Operational Benefits
Last but certainly not least, healthcare turnover is EXPENSIVE. According to Beckers Hospital Review, nurse turnover cost averaged $52,350 in 2022. This is not an expense you can absorb. Reducing healthcare turnover through better IT solutions leads to significant cost savings in recruiting, hiring, and training. Enhanced IT systems also automate routine tasks, boosting overall productivity and reducing the time staff spend on administrative duties. This enables healthcare workers to dedicate more time to patient care, improving job satisfaction and reducing burnout. Get your technology out of the way and save money by keeping your staff engaged and happy.
By investing in IT improvements, healthcare practice groups address many underlying causes of high healthcare turnover. Improved communication, flexible working conditions, continuous learning opportunities, and enhanced patient care create a supportive and satisfying work environment. This strategic approach not only retains valuable staff but also elevates the overall quality of care provided to patients.
If this is hitting home for you, reach out today and let’s talk about making steps forward to keep employees happy and retained!