Strategies For Boosting Efficiency In Healthcare Teams

Published on: 28 August 2024 Last Updated on: 31 October 2024

Medical facilities & healthcare teams face numerous challenges from staying a step ahead of patients’ constantly changing needs to managing expenses.

At the same time, technology and treatments are continually evolving. Keeping up with the latest advancements and making them available to patients is a struggle all its own.

Cybersecurity threats and the measures medical facilities are expected to take to mitigate them are also making matters more complicated. On top of those issues, the ongoing shortage of medical professionals continues to grow, which is leading to staffing difficulties.

In addition to those factors, and largely because of them, inefficient workflows are causing significant problems for medical facilities.

They’re affecting the quality of care hospitals and clinics deliver to their patients, and they’re having a negative impact on staff members. By extension, they’re having adverse effects on medical facilities as a whole. Fortunately, a range of clinical workforce solutions is available to help medical facilities overcome those hurdles.

Embracing Technology

Many people believe that technology lies at the heart of medical facilities’ daily operations. That’s certainly true to an extent, but much of the technology hospitals and clinics use focuses on patient care.

Quite a few have yet to incorporate technological advancements that can address internal issues and streamline their workflows.

Those include vendor management systems, patient CRM software, hospital management solutions, patient flow management systems, and many others.

Each of those solutions can help medical facilities automate and improve many of their processes. That reduces workloads on staff members and improves efficiency, and it can lead to more effective patient care.

Recruitment And Staffing Services

Another way medical facilities can boost efficiency is by turning to recruitment and staffing agencies. As mentioned, staffing shortages are among the leading problems hospitals are facing at this point, and they’re expected to grow worse moving forward.

Recruitment and staffing agencies can help their clients overcome staffing shortages. They handle recruitment, credentialing, and other requirements on behalf of medical facilities.

That reduces the administrative burden involved and can shorten the hiring process. These agencies can also address clients’ specific staffing needs via locum tenens providers, specialty physicians, and other solutions.

Medical Facility Advisory Services

Additionally, in healthcare terms professional advisory services can make a world of difference for medical facilities that are struggling with inefficiencies.

Advisors analyze facilities’ workflows and address their specific issues. They can identify bottlenecks, ineffective uses of resources, and other inefficiencies. From there, they offer medical facilities advice on improving their workflows.

They can help their clients implement changes as well to ensure they’re able to make the most of them. Many also offer leadership training to enable medical facilities to sustain efficiency on their own.

Streamlining Workflows For Medical Facilities

Numerous options are available to help medical facilities streamline their healthcare teams. Those listed here are only a few of the general solutions hospitals and clinics have at their disposal.

Just-in-time learning, improved resource management strategies, developing more streamlined facility layouts, and many other effective alternatives are also available.

Medical facilities can also cross-train staff members, implement lean healthcare strategies, and outsource certain processes for improved efficiency.

These solutions can help to reduce administrative burdens, minimize human error, reduce costs, and prevent burnout among other advantages.

They also help medical facilities become more flexible so they can adapt more easily to unexpected changes. Overall, improving efficiency benefits medical facilities, their employees, and their patients.

Challenges Are Inevitable

We talked about the use of technology to improve efficiency, but it fails to mention that there is a barrier for medical facilities and healthcare teams to be able to do so.

Cost Is High

First off, implementing such technologies is expensive. The initial investment and ongoing maintenance cost can be too much for some smaller institutions that do not have large budgets.

What About The Staff?

Secondly, when new technologies are implemented, staff must learn how to use them and adjust their work processes accordingly.

Often, this means taking staff away from their regular workplace duties to attend training sessions on how to use the systems.

This can create a backlog in work productivity when these staff members aren’t performing their regular functions. In addition, it might still take time for a staffer to become accustomed (…and efficient) to using the new system(s) after attending training sessions.

Another common barrier is resistance to change. Some staff may resist adopting new technology due to fear of the unknown or concerns about job security. However, you can reduce these concerns through clear communication and involving staff in the decision-making process.

Is It Reliable?

We also mentioned the advantages of recruitment and staffing services. However, this does not explain whether relying on these services is sustainable in the long run.

From a financial perspective, continuously outsourcing through high-end technology can be costly. If the facility is too dependent on external agencies, this may also overshadow its benefits.

Also, if there are too many temporary staff, Regular staff may feel alienated from their temporary peers. This could potentially affect teamwork and overall morale.

Over time, this lack of cohesion could potentially impact patient care, which is more important than anything in this industry.

They Are Not Replacements!

It’s important to understand that these technological advisory services in healthcare terms are just “advisory.” They’re not a replacement for professional operations staff, and they’re not going to prevent the loss of jobs for operational heads.

The right approach here is probably something in between. Using technology through third parties to cover the gaps where you might be short. However, we also continue to develop internal talent who are competent across all areas of operation performance.

Another strategy is to conduct periodic feedback sessions with the workforce to determine whether their changes make sense and work in a real-life facility.

Final Note!

Improving efficiency in medical facilities is important but not always easy. While technology, recruitment, and advisory services can help, it’s essential to be aware of the challenges and long-term effects of using them.

Balancing outside help with building up your own team and keeping open communication with staff can make this process smoother. In the end, a well-rounded approach will improve patient care, make staff happier, and help the facility run better overall.

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Deepanwita Dey

Deepanwita is a seasoned practitioner of ‘jumping the ship’. She started out her journey with literature and now holds a double graduation degree, one of which is in psychology. As a result, she is now using this skill to help confused job seekers to pick a direction. Given her academic background, her writing is laden with analytical analogies and deep research. As one of Content Rally’s most regular contributors, readers can find a sense of confidence in her writing.

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Ways To Balance Your Life With Healthy Hearing

If you are looking for ways to maintain healthy hearing, there are several options to consider. These include eating a healthy diet, avoiding cigarette smoke, and keeping your ears clean. You can also take frequent breaks from listening, so your ears can get a rest. Here Are Five Prime Ways To Balance Your Life With Healthy Hearing 1. Eating healthy Eating healthy is the best way to keep your hearing health in top-notch condition. If you're looking for a quick and easy fix, consider making a habit of eating well and being physically active. This will improve your overall health and reduce your risk of chronic disease. Getting enough sleep is another smart move. While you're at it, don't forget to get your fill of vitamins and minerals. Boosting your Vitamin D intake will help you maintain good health and prevent otosclerosis. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish also aid in improving your acoustic performance. One of the best ways to make sure your ears are in tip-top shape is to include a wide range of food types in your diet. Some popular food choices include fish, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. A balanced diet will also help you manage your weight and avoid common health conditions. For example, if you're looking for the most important component of a well-rounded meal, try incorporating fresh ingredients into your recipe. Not only will you be healthier, but you'll also enjoy a more satisfying meal. Also, make sure to get your vitamins and minerals from a variety of sources. As a final point, you should make the time to try something new. Experiment with different foods to see what works for you. The most gratifying aspect of eating healthy is that it can lead to improved mood, more energy, and more social activities. Lastly, it's an opportunity to build a healthy habit you can enjoy for years to come. You'll never regret it. Get started by taking a look at the USDA's dietary guidelines. You might even be surprised by the quality of the recommendations you receive! 2. Exercising regularly If you want to keep your hearing healthy, then you must exercise regularly. Studies have shown that people who exercise have better hearing and a lower risk of developing presbycusis. Exercise increases blood circulation, which helps in keeping the brain and ears healthy. It also helps improve cardiovascular health and strengthens the immune system. Regular physical activity also reduces inflammation. Inflammation damages hair cells, capillaries, and nerve cells. By reducing inflammation, exercise also protects against age-related hearing loss. When mice were unable to exercise, they experienced worse damage to their ears than those who were active. Exercise can protect the ear from age-related inflammation and prevent presbycusis. Regular aerobic exercise and strength training can protect hearing in later life. The cochlea is the key component of hearing, and it is essential to maintain its health as one age. Many Americans are motivated to improve their physical and mental well-being, including their hearing. Exercise has many benefits for all parts of the body. A daily exercise routine can increase energy, improve sleep, and decrease stress. A study by the University of Florida found that exercise can slow age-related hearing loss. Exercise also reduced inflammation and increased the blood supply to the ear. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body weight, which is associated with hearing. Exercising for 20 minutes five times a week can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. For more information on how to exercise for healthy hearing, talk with a qualified personal trainer. Make sure you choose a form of exercise you enjoy. Choose a routine that fits your lifestyle and schedule. Exercise will protect your hearing for the rest of your life. 3. Taking listening breaks Taking listening breaks is one way to keep your hearing health in check. This could mean something as small as taking a nap during the day, or as big as switching out your hearing aids. Regardless of your circumstances, a little TLC now and then can make a world of difference in your quality of life. The fact of the matter is, a good old fashion nap is not always feasible during the work week. For that reason, it's important to take care of the ears on a regular basis. Luckily, many modern-day smartphones have apps that track your exposure to various noise sources. While it may be difficult to avoid all noise, reducing the amount of background noise is the most important step in the process. If you're stuck at the office, you can opt to try out eye yoga, or read a book on your Kindle or another portable reading device while taking a stroll along a park or other public space. Other activities to consider include attending a museum or visiting your local zoo. These activities are all great ways to get out and about while giving your brain a much-needed break. Another useful tip is to use headphones that are specifically designed for people with hearing loss. You can pick up a pair at your nearest electronics retailer or order a pair online. Using over-the-ear headphones is an excellent way to minimize your exposure to background noise. They also help ensure you get a better seal. Some of these devices even offer an optional earbud kit if you don't have one already. The best part is that a healthy ear is an invaluable asset that you can rely on for many years to come. So be sure to take the time to test out your hearing and reap the rewards! 4. Preventing water from entering your ear canal When you are swimming, you might get water trapped in your ear canal. This can cause discomfort and hearing loss. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent water from entering your ear canal. Before you start swimming, make sure you have some earplugs to use to block the entrance of the water. These are especially useful for swimmers. Swimming eardrops are also available. They contain alcohol and can help prevent water from entering your ear canal. After swimming, you may need to dry your ears. This is important because water can get into your ear canal any time you are underwater. If you can't keep the water out, you may experience a bacterial infection or fungal infection. If you have a bacterial or fungal infection, you should see a doctor. Your otolaryngologist can treat the infection with antibiotics. The doctor can also remove any remaining water from your ear. You can also try using hydrogen peroxide to clear out any debris in your ear. However, hydrogen peroxide should be avoided if you have an infected eardrum or tubes. Another way to remove water from your ear is to pull on your earlobe. You can do this by holding your earlobe with your thumb behind your ear. With your ear bent upwards, pull on the tip of your earlobe. You can also tilt your head to one side. That way, gravity will force the water out. Also, yawning or chewing will move the water to the outer ear. There are also swimming caps that can prevent water from entering your ear. You can also get custom-made swimmer plugs. Depending on your ear shape and size, your otolaryngologist can order one that will fit perfectly. 5. Cigarette smoking Smoking is associated with a higher risk of hearing loss. Cigarette smoke contains hundreds of toxic chemical compounds. The effects of cigarette smoking are primarily related to the number of cigarettes smoked and the total lifetime exposure to cigarette smoke. A large prospective cohort study of women in the United States has demonstrated a relationship between smoking and the risk of hearing loss. Compared with non-smokers, smokers are at increased risk of moderate to severe hearing loss. However, the mechanisms through which the adverse influence of cigarette smoke on hearing may occur are not fully understood. In order to better understand the mechanisms of the adverse influence of cigarette smoke, a study was conducted at the University of North Texas Hearing Clinic. This study evaluated the relationship between the level of cigarette smoke and auditory test measures, including central and peripheral auditory pathway measures. Behavioral and electrophysiologic test measures were administered to measure CO level. These measures were combined with other variables to predict the outcome measure. Using ordinary least squares estimation procedures, a predictive multiple linear regression model was selected to analyze the association between the auditory tests and the breath CO level. The results showed that the magnitude of the elevated risk was higher among past smokers than current smokers. For past smokers, the MVRR was 1.30 (1.09, 1.55). But the risk was reduced with a longer time since smoking cessation. Similarly, the MVRR was 1.21 for current smokers. There are many ways to quit smoking. Some of these include finding a quit program, medications, or individual counseling. You can also make your home and car smoke-free. Keeping your children away from the smoke reduces their chance of respiratory infections. Read Also: Seeking a Healthy Career: 10 Tempting Medical Careers to Check Out 8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate Different Types Of Blood Circulation Exercise

Surprisingly Unknown Effects of Sleep Loss

We all know that lack of sleep can have a significantly negative impact on our daily lives as trouble focusing is often the most notable effect of sleep loss. However, there are several other less-known effects of sleep loss that you should also take into account. Surprisingly Unknown Effects Of Sleep Loss: 1. Sleep Deprivation Is A Public Hazard: Sleep deprivation can be a significant factor in automobile accidents as a lack of sleep will slow down your time reaction quite similar to that of drunk driving. If that’s not enough to stress the health advantages of a good nights sleep, lack of sleep has been a massive factor in some of the most monumental disasters in more recent history such as the nuclear accident in 1979 at Three Mile Island as well as the disastrous nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl in 1986. Considering the lack of sleep greatly increases your chances of being involved in a car accident and work-related injuries, you should take pride in formulating a suitable sleep routine to ensure you are not endangering yourself and those around you. 2. Increased Risk Of Developing Serious Health Issues: While chronic sleep disorders and sleep conditions will put you at an increased risk of developing serious health problems such as heart attack and cardiovascular conditions as well as high blood pressure, diabetes, and even stroke, the less serious health issues such as increased stress and anxiety are just as concerning. To improve the quality and consistency of your sleep you should consider whether or not your mattress is suitable for comfort and support. You can make use of mattress charts with a showcase of mattress sizes to better establish which mattress would be best for you. In addition to this, you should consider the benefits of natural sleep remedies, especially if you are battling to get enough sleep on a regular basis. 3. Risk Of Rapidly Aging Skin: Even though it’s commonly known that a restless night will result in dark under-eye circles and a bit of puffiness, not everyone is aware of just how much lack of sleep can cause rapidly aging skin. According to studies, regular sleepless nights will age the rate at which your skin ages and as a result, you will notice fine lines, wrinkles, and sallow skin. The benefits of beauty sleep are definitely not a myth. 4. Memory Loss: One of the best ways to keep your memory as sharp as possible is to get enough quality sleep as sleep deprivation has been a known culprit of memory loss. According to research conducted in 2009, brain functions referred to as “sharp wave ripples” are responsible for the consolidation of memory as these ripples are known to transfer learned information to an area of the brain where memory is then stored on a long-term basis. This brain function usually occurs while we are in the deeper levels of sleep, which means that quality sleep will, in fact, improve your brains' ability to store information and effectively prevent forgetfulness. Read Also: Ways To Sleep Well At Night As You Age How To Sleep Better When You Have Cancer Are You Wondering About The Risk Factors For Depression?

CBG vs. CBN: Navigating The Lesser-Known Cannabinoids

While cannabis usage and exploration are evolving, the shadow of its most popular cannabinoid pair, THC and CBD, may finally be lifting on two newbies to this magical family tree within the flower we all know and love Cannabigerol (CG) and Cannabinol (CBN). With the preponderance of experience from the familiar fun of THC-induced highs to the meditative balm of CBD’s therapeutic benefits, these less-well-known cannabinoid compounds may come as a surprise – and cannabis connoisseurs may just find them to be a treat for the CBD-toned brain. And as one who’s dipped a toe into all things cannabis-related personally and professionally, I’d like to share some insights into these so-called minor cannabinoids, but in a major, professional, and trusted way. Hail to the unknown and underappreciated! Enter CBG and CBN, stage left Research, personal experience, and murmurs of the ganja community are about to collide for your entertainment and perhaps enlightenment about these two oft-overlooked members of the cannabis clan. What Are CBG and CBN? To get the lowdown, it’s a good idea to figure out exactly what CBG and CBN are. CBG, or cannabigerol, is sometimes referred to as the ‘mother of all cannabinoids’ because, in its acidic CBGA form, it’s the precursor molecule of several other cannabinoids. Non-psychoactive, it’s believed to have a number of potentially beneficial therapeutic actions. The other compound is CBN or cannabinol, which results when THC ages and breaks down. It’s mildly psychoactive but nowhere near as much as cannabis itself. The Unique Promise of CBG CBG first came onto my radar when I was researching botanical solutions to gut ailments. Word on the street was that the cannabinoid could potentially provide immense relief – an assertion ostensibly supported by CBG’s reported anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. In my case, I found some of that buzz to be spot-on. Soon after adding this cannabinoid to my routine, I took note of some discernible improvements with respect to my digestive comfort. I didn’t experience transformative results right out of the gates but, over time with continued use, those uncomfortable days grew less frequently. Studies also indicate that CBG might have neuroprotective, anticancer, and antibacterial effects. CBG might be the ultimate versatile cannabinoid for physical relief and preventative health benefits. The Calming Effects of CBN The first time I used CBN was to help a friend sleep better. She’d tried meditation and melatonin without much luck. Both made her light and scatterbrained and though she could manage her insomnia with the sheer force of will, she was curious to try another approach. I was curious, too, and decided to experiment alongside her. My own sleep patterns were never great, even on nights when I could turn off the TV (and the iPad) in time to hit the sheets by midnight. Alongside her, I found CBN to be a relaxing sleep aid. I wouldn’t call it a ‘sleeping pill’ as it doesn’t put you down for the night quite the same way that sort of remedy does. But there are lots of nights when I need a nudge toward rest, times when my mind is filled with deadlines and to-dos. On those occasions, a CBN-infused tincture has become an excellent tool for inducing a Guitar-Strum-Country-And-Western brain noodle. CBN is also being tested as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotectant (a compound with the ability to reduce cell death associated with stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disorders). Human trials are just beginning, but the outlook appears encouraging. Personal Experience: A Balancing Act My experience trying to understand the world of CBG vs CBN has been confusing, enlightening, and, above all, very informative. I have learnt that, while both cannabinoids can supplement our lives, they have to be used at the right time to work for specific needs. CBG has become my ally during the day, a cannabinoid that makes me feel slightly better than usual but does not have any psychoactive effects. CBN will stay in my nighttime routine, not as a substitute for sleeping pills but as a way to create a more prone state. Pros and Cons Pros - CBG: Potential digestive aid and anti-inflammatory. Non-intoxicating, making it suitable for daytime use. Versatile benefits span from neuroprotection to antibacterial effects. Pros - CBN: Promotes relaxation and may improve sleep quality. Mildly psychoactive, offering a gentle experience. Potential pain reliever and anti-inflammatory properties. Cons - CBG: Low availability and more expensive due to lower yields from cannabis plant. Research is still emerging, making definitive conclusions about its efficacy premature. Cons - CBN: Effects can vary greatly among individuals; not everyone may experience significant sleep benefits. Because it’s apparently derived from the degradation of THC, its legal status can be unclear in some places. Final Thoughts This journey of discovery into CBG and CBN has both amazed me and taught me a lot. My experiences have generally been good ones, but reactions can differ – start small and work up from there, to be sure. While the research is still emerging, it’s possible that CBG and to some extent, CBN can transcend their minor cannabinoid status and join the ranks of CBD and THC. For cannabis connoisseurs and curious neophytes alike, this new frontier means looking deeper than ever into the increasingly multilayered beauty and therapeutic promise of the plant. Cheers to good science and many more cannabinoids on the horizon. Read Also: How Does CBD Affect Your Drug Tests? How CBD Oil Capsules Are Changing People’s Lives What is Cannabis Oil and how does CBD Oil Work?

Strategies For Boosting Efficiency In Healthcare Teams

Embracing Technology

Recruitment And Staffing Services

Medical Facility Advisory Services

Streamlining Workflows For Medical Facilities