The existential staffing crisis healthcare has faced over the past few years has challenged the very fabric of the industry. But with recruitment as only one piece of the puzzle for climbing out of the hole, how can providers support their workforce and ultimately retain it?
In this episode of the Memora Health Care Delivery Podcast, we speak with Vishal Bhalla,
Enterprise CXO and Chief Human Resources Officer at Atrium Health, about why systems need to engage workers at the individual level and ensure they understand they’re valued.
Systems are built for the many — but need to accommodate each individual
Like organizations in other industries, hospitals have systems in place to standardize operations. This approach applies to everywhere from the bedside to the recruitment office. But, Vishal argues, these structures need to take individuals into account to truly improve worker experience.
“We have to rethink our systems and processes to serve the individual,” Vishal says. “It’s very important that we listen with our eyes, our hearts, our minds, and empower [healthcare workers] … to come up with solutions, and give them the right data at the right time without friction so they can make informed decisions.”
That’s why, Vishal suggests, digital health technology can play a crucial role in simplifying processes while personalizing care for patients and empowering providers. Memora Health has designed its intelligent care enablement technology to specifically support both patients and care teams through complex clinical episodes to more efficiently deliver personalized, proactive, and coordinated care.
Team engagement starts with leadership
Setting up systems to successfully support and engage workers isn’t easy. But having the right leadership in place to get the ball rolling is the right starting point.
Vishal remarks, “The battle is won or lost at the first level of leadership … We’re here to serve our frontline teammates and our patients. And everything we do must align to that.” He adds, “There’s been a lot of work … to empower our teams on the frontline to come up with the solution.”
Having a team engagement blueprint is key for every aspect of care
Knowing team engagement is key is one thing. But having a cohesive plan in place to promote it is how health systems can foster environments that empower clinicians, who then connect better with their patients.
Vishal explains, “Intuitively, we know … that team engagement is related to well-being. Is related to leadership. Is related to safety outcomes … Once we have that blueprint, we can continue building upon it.”
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