For hospitals attempting to fill ever increasing vacancies, they are also facing increasing challenges associated with escalating competition from other healthcare institutions for the available workforce as well as fundamental changes in hospital care. Several trends are contributing towards today’s lower staff levels, including higher acuity patients who require more intensive care and treatment, coupled with global medical staffing shortages.

A recent report conducted by AHRQ sought to investigate the relationship between nurse staffing levels and adverse patient outcomes. The findings were conclusive, replicating findings of previous studies, highlighting the direct relationship between the levels and quality of hospital staffing vacancies and a declining quality of care provided to patients, resulting in a higher incidence rate of adverse patient outcomes.

The research also noted that changes in hospital care are further complicating staffing issues, as new medical technologies and a declining average length of stay have led to an increased amount of care being provided per patient while they are in hospital. New technologies are creating a situation where medical apparatus that was previously the sole domain of hospitals and other medical organisations are now available in a private setting. This is generating a scenario where patients are being discharged earlier and receiving care at home. However, this is creating further demand on the numbers and qualities of nurses who are now expected to perform their activities in a range of private and personal environments.

With the advent of new technologies, there will be a resultant correlation in the demand for staff that are confident with, and trained in, new medical devices and apparatus. The internet has changed the way nearly everyone works and conducts business, and the healthcare industry is no exception. Increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services have been, and will continue to be, positively influenced by IT and software developments. A classic example includes the electronic filing system giving immediate access to accurate patient histories and documentation. As technology affects the delivery of healthcare services, the role of hospital staff will also evolve.

The internet and Web 2.0 technologies are also starting to affect the manner in which patients access their information, as well as having an increased level of control over their own care. These technologies will undoubtedly also affect the way that medical services are delivered. How the merging of healthcare and advances in technology evolve in the future will contribute to an exciting industry and careers where hospital staff are always in high demand. (more…)