Healthcare Systems Recognize Value in Staffing Expertise, According to KLAS Research Findings

Healthcare Providers Prioritize EHR Expertise, Eye AI & Cloud Skills in Staffing Choices

Despite growing interest in emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, Electronic Health Record (EHR) initiatives continue to be the primary driver for healthcare staffing engagements, according to a recent report. Most healthcare organizations are turning to staffing partners to support EHR implementations and related projects. Revenue cycle management, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and data analytics projects also represent notable areas of support.

The report highlights a difference in staffing strategies based on organizational size. Larger healthcare systems, those wiht over 1,000 beds, are more inclined to engage staffing firms for a wider range of services across multiple platforms. Conversely, smaller providers typically focus on addressing more specific, targeted needs.Most respondents indicated they rely on a network of two to three staffing firms to fulfill thier requirements. However, a notable segment of organizations maintain exclusive relationships with specialized firms including Nordic, Optimum Healthcare IT, Medix Technology, Pivot Point Consulting, and TEKsystems.

Future Outlook: Stability & Expansion

Looking ahead, the majority – 72% – of healthcare organizations anticipate maintaining or increasing their use of Health IT (HIT) staffing services over the next two years. Approximately 30% foresee an increase, largely driven by growth initiatives and the adoption of advanced technologies. Around 24% plan to decrease their reliance on external staffing,citing budgetary concerns or a preference for building internal capabilities.

CIOs consistently emphasized the strategic flexibility offered by HIT contractors compared to full-time hires. As one executive explained, “Contractors give me options. If margins tighten, I can scale back without going through layoffs.”

Organizations planning for expansion are increasingly focused on securing expertise in AI and cloud deployments. One CIO noted the growing importance of AI, stating that staffing firms provide crucial access to the specialized skillsets required for successful implementation.

Key Takeaways:

Expertise Reigns Supreme: organizations prioritize specialized expertise over pricing when selecting a staffing firm.
EHR Dominance: EHR projects remain the most frequent reason for engaging HIT staffing partners.
Diversified Partnerships: most health systems cultivate relationships with two to three staffing firms. Relationship Essentials: Clear interaction, well-defined expectations, and a strong cultural fit are critical for successful staffing engagements.
* Rising Demand for Emerging Skills: Demand for professionals skilled in AI and cloud technologies is steadily increasing within the healthcare sector.

Ultimately, the value of staffing firms lies in their established networks. As one director put it, “They know who’s available and what doors to knock on-that’s how we get the best people.”

What specific staffing challenges are healthcare organizations currently facing, according to the text?

The Growing Demand for Strategic Healthcare Staffing

Healthcare organizations are increasingly acknowledging the critical role of specialized staffing expertise in navigating today’s complex landscape. Recent research from KLAS Research highlights a significant shift: healthcare systems are moving beyond simply filling positions to actively seeking partners who understand the nuances of healthcare workforce management, clinical staffing, and revenue cycle staffing. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about quality of care, financial stability, and employee well-being.

The pressures are multifaceted. We’re seeing a confluence of factors driving this change, including:

Nursing Shortages: A persistent and growing shortage of qualified nurses is impacting patient care and driving up labor costs.

Physician Burnout: High levels of stress and administrative burden are leading to physician burnout and early retirement.

Increased Demand for Specialized skills: The rise of telehealth, advanced diagnostics, and specialized treatments requires staff with specific skill sets.

Financial Pressures: Hospitals and health systems are facing increasing financial pressures, making efficient staffing crucial.

Regulatory Compliance: Maintaining compliance with evolving healthcare regulations requires specialized knowledge and expertise.

KLAS Research: Key Findings & Implications

KLAS Research’s recent reports demonstrate a clear preference for staffing firms that offer more than just a temporary fix. The findings emphasize the importance of:

Deep Industry Knowledge: Healthcare systems want staffing partners who understand the unique challenges and opportunities within their specific specialties (e.g., critical care staffing, emergency medicine staffing, surgical services staffing).

Data-Driven insights: The ability to leverage data analytics to optimize staffing levels, predict future needs, and improve workforce performance is highly valued. This includes workforce analytics and staffing ratio analysis.

Technology Integration: Seamless integration with existing HR and scheduling systems is essential for efficiency and accuracy. Look for firms utilizing healthcare staffing software and vendor management systems (VMS).

Quality of candidates: Beyond simply filling open positions, healthcare systems prioritize the quality and qualifications of the candidates presented.Rigorous credentialing and background checks are non-negotiable.

Contingent Workforce Program Management: A holistic approach to managing contingent labor, including compliance, cost control, and performance tracking, is becoming increasingly vital.

Benefits of Investing in Staffing Expertise

Partnering with a specialized healthcare staffing firm offers a range of benefits:

Improved Patient Care: Qualified and experienced staff directly contribute to better patient outcomes.

Reduced Costs: Optimized staffing levels and reduced reliance on expensive overtime can significantly lower labor costs.

Increased Efficiency: streamlined processes and technology integration free up internal resources to focus on core competencies.

enhanced Employee Satisfaction: reducing workload and providing support to existing staff can improve morale and reduce burnout.

Risk Mitigation: Expert staffing firms ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and minimize the risk of legal issues.

Scalability & Adaptability: Quickly adapt to changing patient volumes and service demands.

Choosing the Right Staffing Partner: Key Considerations

Selecting the right staffing partner is a critical decision. Here’s what to look for:

1. Specialization: Does the firm specialize in your specific area of need (e.g., travel nursing, locum tenens, permanent placement)?
2. Reputation & Experience: What is the firm’s track record? Check references and read online reviews.
3. technology Capabilities: Does the firm utilize advanced technology to manage the staffing process?
4. Compliance & Credentialing: What are the firm’s processes for ensuring compliance and verifying candidate credentials?
5. Service level Agreements (SLAs): Does the firm offer clear SLAs that outline expectations and performance metrics?
6. Geographic Reach: Can they support your locations effectively? Consider regional staffing solutions if needed.

Real-world Example: Addressing a Critical Care Nursing shortage

A large hospital system in the Midwest faced a severe shortage of critical care nurses. Rather of relying on traditional staffing methods,they partnered with a specialized staffing firm that utilized data analytics to identify the root causes of the shortage and develop a targeted recruitment strategy. The firm focused on attracting experienced critical care nurses from across the country,offering competitive compensation and benefits packages. Within three months, the hospital system was able to fill all open positions and improve patient care outcomes. This demonstrates the power of strategic nurse staffing.

The Future of Healthcare Staffing

The trend towards recognizing the value of staffing expertise is expected to continue. As the healthcare landscape becomes increasingly complex, healthcare systems will need to rely on specialized partners to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Expect to see further advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare staffing and the use of predictive analytics to optimize workforce planning. Investing in a strong staffing strategy is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for healthcare organizations that want to thrive in the years to come.