Can digital clinical solutions enhance the retention and recruitment of clinicians?

In this episode of Talking HealthTech, key figures in healthcare technology discuss the essential role digital solutions play in improving clinician retention and recruitment.

The conversation between host Peter Birch, Steven Parrish, Chief Medical Information Officer at Dedalus, and Viti Handyside, Product Manager for ORBIS EMR at Dedalus, explores the current challenges faced by healthcare professionals and how innovative digital tools can offer much-needed support.

This episode was recorded live with a virtual audience who helped shape the discussion with their questions and discussions in the chat.

Exploring Healthcare Workforce Challenges

Healthcare systems worldwide are grappling with workforce shortages, a problem exacerbated by an ageing workforce and the extensive time required to train new clinicians. Projections suggest that by 2030, the global healthcare sector will need an additional 14 million health professionals to meet demand, with Australia alone requiring 100,000 more nurses by 2025. Compounding this issue is the increasing rate of clinician burnout, often driven by administrative burdens and inefficient workflows.

Addressing these challenges is essential, as technology should alleviate burdens rather than add to them. This emphasises the need for tools that simplify tasks, reduce burnout, and improve job satisfaction among healthcare providers.

The Role of Digital Health Solutions

Digital health solutions, such as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and telehealth platforms, have immense potential to transform clinical workflows and enhance patient care. However, traditional EMRs can be cumbersome, requiring clinicians to navigate multiple screens to gather patient information. This inefficiency can hinder clinical decision-making and increase frustration among healthcare workers.

User-friendly technological solutions are essential in clinical software to improve accuracy, safety, and efficiency in healthcare services while supporting patient-centred care. By designing intuitive systems that align with clinical workflows and create a supportive work environment, healthcare organisations can enhance staff retention and recruitment.

The Impact of Telehealth in Post-COVID Healthcare

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, showcasing its potential to provide accessible care while minimising physical contact. However, post-COVID, certain telehealth incentives, such as the Medicare rebate, ceased in Australia, impacting telehealth's adoption and efficiency. The discontinuation of incentives reveals the importance of supporting telehealth to maintain its benefits in the healthcare system.