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Are Allied Health Professionals the Answer to Healthcare Staffing Shortages?
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Staffing shortages in healthcare continue to plague healthcare facilities throughout the country. A recent study found that the U.S. needs an additional 17 thousand primary care practitioners, 12 thousand dental health practitioners, and more than 8 thousand mental health providers. But adequate healthcare staffing is essential. When healthcare facilities are fully staffed, this greatly decreases the length of patient stays, reduces mortality rates, and limits preventable patient issues such as infections. So, how to fix staffing shortages in healthcare? Allied health professionals may be one of the answers to solving it.
Allied health professionals (AHPs) are professionals who provide a wide range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and support services in healthcare. Examples of allied health professionals include: respiratory therapists, physical therapists, CT technologists, ultrasound technician, paramedics, and more. If your healthcare organization is experiencing staffing shortages in healthcare, here are 5 reasons to consider hiring more allied health professionals:
They can fill staffing vacancies
Allied health professionals have specialized education and training that allows them to step in and fill critical gaps in many different areas of the healthcare industry. Whether you have a shortage of occupational therapists, physical therapists, or respiratory therapists, AHPs can perform various tasks and procedures to ensure patients receive the quality care they need.
They can help improve patient care
Maintaining staffing stability is extremely important for hospitals to provide uninterrupted patient care. The proactive involvement of allied health professionals is an essential component of a patient-centered care approach — patient-centered care reduces unnecessary procedures, honors patient preferences, and improves patient health. AHPs collaborate closely with other healthcare providers to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients, resulting in well-rounded care and reducing the risk of preventable issues.
They have skill versatility
Many allied health professionals have versatile skillsets. AHPs often serve as liaisons between patients and primary care providers, ensuring a seamless coordination of services. This versatility is especially valuable when healthcare practices are experiencing shortages.
They help prevent nursing burnout and improve patient safety
Nearly half of all health care professionals report experiencing symptoms of burnout. Allied health professionals alleviate the workload of doctors and nurses by assisting with routine tasks and specialized procedures. This not only reduces stress on the existing staff and prevents nursing burnout and patient safety risks but also allows physicians and nurses to focus on more complex cases and provide more personalized patient care.
Facility telehealth availability could expand with more AHPs on staff
With the recent rise of telehealth services, allied health professionals can provide virtual care and consultations, creating greater accessibility for rural and underserved populations. Telehealth can also prevent and reduce emergency room visits, leaving staff available to prioritize the patients who are most in need.
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