What does affordable healthcare staffing actually mean?

In the United States, healthcare delivery is among the most costly worldwide, a fact that weighs heavily on the entire system—from patients to providers. Amid these soaring costs, the staffing component is particularly critical and challenging. 

To understand why healthcare staffing affordability is not just a goal but a necessity, we need to delve into the complexities of healthcare economics, the nuances of staffing, and the innovative solutions health systems are exploring. 

Let’s take a closer look – but first, we’ll level set on the issue we’re facing.

Why is healthcare delivery so expensive in the United States?

The high cost of healthcare in the U.S. can be attributed to several factors. Prices for medical services are higher than in other countries, and administrative costs are skyrocketing due to complex insurance processes and regulations. There's also an emphasis on high-cost, high-tech treatments and a trend toward frequent and often unnecessary testing. Couple this with the fact that our prescription drug costs significantly outpace those in other nations, while chronic diseases, which require ongoing treatment, are prevalent. 

In short, it’s the perfect storm for high costs.

Why is healthcare staffing challenging right now?

Staffing poses a unique challenge within the healthcare system. It's not merely about numbers but the right mix of skills and experience to ensure quality patient care. The healthcare sector faces a shortage of qualified professionals due to an aging workforce, burnout, low pay, workplace violence, and insufficient throughput in educational pipelines. The rigors of the job, especially in high-pressure environments lead to high turnover rates, further straining the system.

What does it cost to staff a hospital?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, so we’ll answer it more broadly.

Staffing a hospital is one of the most significant expenses for healthcare systems. Hospitals must provide competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain talent, particularly as they compete with other institutions for a limited pool of qualified professionals. In addition to base salaries, hospitals incur costs related to overtime, staffing agencies, training, and turnover. There are also indirect costs, such as those associated with the time taken to credential and onboard new staff, which can be considerable.

The growing reliance on travel professionals for staffing

​​The reliance on contract labor, particularly with travel professionals, has become an increasingly significant financial burden for healthcare institutions. While these traveling clinicians play a crucial role in filling staffing gaps, especially during spikes in demand or shortages in specialized roles, the associated costs are substantial. Healthcare facilities must often cover not only the premium pay rates for these contract workers, which can be markedly higher than those for permanent staff, but also additional expenses such as travel, housing, and per diem allowances. These costs quickly add up, creating a substantial impact on a hospital's operating budget. In many cases, the reliance on travel professionals is a reflection of the dire need to maintain patient care levels, yet it's a solution that comes with a steep price tag, contributing to the escalating costs of healthcare delivery overall.

Why is affordability a priority for health systems?

Affordability is a priority because operating within sustainable financial margins allows health systems to maintain accessibility to services and invest in the future of healthcare delivery. When staffing is not affordable, it can lead to cuts in services, reduced access to care, and increased healthcare prices for patients. 

Keeping staffing costs in check without compromising quality is essential for the long-term viability of health systems and the health of the communities they serve.

Affordable healthcare staffing can't come at the cost of patient care quality

With all of this said, achieving affordability in healthcare staffing does not give a license to cut corners in patient care. 

In an industry where the stakes are human lives, the quality of care is paramount. The equation is simple yet non-negotiable: reduced quality can lead to worse patient outcomes, increased hospital readmissions, and higher long-term costs both in financial terms and human health. Cost-saving measures must be strategic, ensuring that efficiencies do not undermine the caliber of patient care. 

This balance is delicate, demanding careful planning and execution. Health systems need to invest in evidence-based staffing models that align with patient care needs, leveraging data to optimize staff deployment. Furthermore, staff education and satisfaction are crucial elements that impact care quality. By investing in staff development and well-being, health systems can reduce burnout and improve patient care, all while maintaining a watchful eye on the bottom line.

How are systems finding creative solutions for affordable healthcare staffing?

In the face of staffing challenges, health systems are becoming increasingly innovative. Some are investing in their pipeline, offering scholarships, and partnering with educational institutions to ensure a steady influx of trained professionals. Others are turning to technology, using telehealth services to extend the reach of existing staff. 

Flexible staffing models, such as float pools and cross-training personnel to function in multiple roles, also help maximize resources.

How can staffing agencies support affordable healthcare staffing goals?

Amidst the landscape of healthcare staffing, there are agencies committed to affordability without sacrificing quality. These agencies work closely with health systems to understand their unique needs and tailor staffing solutions that fit their budget. They often provide a range of services, from temporary staffing to permanent placement, and leverage economies of scale to offer competitive rates. These agencies prioritize the retention of staff through better work-life balance initiatives and competitive compensation, reducing the long-term costs associated with turnover and retraining.

Taking a unique approach to affordable, quality staffing: Em-Staff

In the competitive landscape of healthcare staffing, Em-Staff emerges with a distinctive approach that recognizes how affordability and quality are not mutually exclusive – in fact, they are synergistic. Their staffing model is built around a philosophy that understands the intrinsic value of each healthcare professional and the critical nature of their work. Em-Staff's method focuses on local pools of healthcare providers to minimize costs associated with travel and lodging, and to foster a sense of community and belonging among staff, which translates to better patient care.

This strategy extends beyond the traditional per-diem or contract staffing. They emphasize a partnership model with healthcare facilities, aligning their goals with the institutions they serve. This model fosters long-term relationships between Em-Staff’s contracted providers and the hospitals Em-Staff works with rather than just relying on relationships the agency builds independently. This involves a comprehensive understanding of each healthcare facility's unique challenges, patient demographics, and financial constraints. Em-Staff is proactive in working with healthcare systems to predict staffing needs, helping to avoid the costly pitfalls of last-minute staffing scrambles.

Moreover, Em-Staff's commitment to quality is unwavering. They meticulously vet each healthcare professional, ensuring that credentials, experience, and performance align with the high standards expected in healthcare delivery. By maintaining a roster of top-tier professionals and offering them competitive remuneration and opportunities for growth, Em-Staff not only attracts but also retains the best in the field.

The Em-Staff approach also incorporates scalability and flexibility, recognizing that healthcare demand is not static. Their agile staffing solutions allow for quick scaling up or down as patient needs fluctuate, ensuring that health systems are never overstaffed or understaffed. This efficiency helps maintain affordability without compromising the quality of patient care.

Finding the best affordable healthcare staffing solution for the community you serve 

Affordable healthcare staffing isn't just about reducing costs—it's about creating a sustainable model that upholds the quality of care and ensures the financial health of healthcare systems. In today’s economy, where every dollar matters, the conversation around affordability is more crucial than ever. Health systems and staffing agencies must continue to collaborate, innovate, and drive efficiencies that will benefit not only their operations but also the health outcomes of the communities they serve.

Are you curious to learn more about Em-Staff's innovative approach? For health systems there are no fees or minimums to get started – you only pay for the hours worked within the flexible contracts we work with you to develop. Health systems and providers, get in touch!*

*We currently support New England’s healthcare staffing needs and hope to expand our footprint and offerings in the future.