Healthcare leaders embrace AI, virtual care to combat staffing crisis
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS — Healthcare lleaders are turning to innovative solutions to bridge the staffing shortages in the industry.
According to Philips’ Future Health Index 2024 report, virtual care, remote patient monitoring, and AI-powered automation are emerging as key strategies to alleviate pressure on hospital staff and extend the reach of patient care.
The report is based on research among 2,800 healthcare leaders across 14 countries from December 2023 to February 2024.
Virtual care expands reach and flexibility
Nearly 89% of healthcare leaders report that virtual care positively impacted their organizations by easing staff shortages.
This technology allows healthcare professionals to connect with patients remotely, increasing the capacity to serve more patients and improving collaboration among healthcare teams across different locations.
One of the significant benefits of virtual care is its ability to provide flexible work schedules for healthcare professionals.
More than half of the surveyed leaders (54%) believe that virtual care creates new career opportunities for healthcare professionals who prefer to work remotely. This flexibility not only helps retain experienced staff but also attracts new talent seeking a better work-life balance
Remote patient monitoring enhances patient care
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is another critical technology that helps to bridge the staffing gap. RPM allows healthcare providers to monitor patients’ health status in real time, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.
This technology is particularly beneficial for managing chronic diseases, post-operative care, and maternal and fetal health. By enabling continuous monitoring, RPM helps prevent hospital readmissions and reduces the burden on hospital staff.
The adoption of RPM is expected to grow significantly, with healthcare leaders planning to expand its use in areas such as telestroke care and chronic disease management over the next three years.
This shift improves patient outcomes and alleviates healthcare professionals’ workload, allowing them to focus on more critical tasks.
AI and automation streamline workflows
Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are also transforming healthcare by streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing clinical decision-making.
The Future Health Index report highlights that 92% of healthcare leaders believe automation is crucial for addressing staff shortages.
By automating repetitive tasks, such as appointment scheduling and initial patient triaging, healthcare professionals can save valuable time and focus on patient care.
“Used right, automation is not about replacing the skills of physicians – it’s about liberating them from tedious work they shouldn’t be doing in the first place,” said Shez Partovi, chief innovation and strategy officer at Philips.
AI-powered tools are also being used to predict patient needs and optimize staffing levels. For instance, predictive analytics can forecast patient admissions, allowing hospitals to adjust staffing levels proactively. This not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances patient care by ensuring that the right number of staff is available when needed.
Challenges and considerations in using tech innovations
While the potential benefits are clear, healthcare leaders must address several challenges:
- Staff skepticism: 65% of leaders report that healthcare professionals are skeptical about automation in healthcare.
- Data integration: 94% of leaders say their organization faces data integration challenges that impact timely, high-quality care delivery.
- Digital divide: Leaders recognize the need to ensure virtual care technologies are accessible to all patients, regardless of technological literacy or internet connectivity.
However, Philips’ study noted that healthcare systems could effectively bridge the staffing gap by leveraging these advanced technologies, ensuring that patients receive timely and high-quality care regardless of location or resource constraints
