Lifelong learning in a chaotic environment

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Healthcare workers, especially those on the front lines, have been battling COVID-19, as well as burnout. Workforce shortages, which existed prior to the pandemic, are predicted to grow as clinicians either retire or declare, "Enough!" How can this be mitigated? And what role does digital transformation play in decreasing – or increasing – stress levels? This month, we take a look at how to keep the workforce – from entry-level to C-Suite – physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. 

Automating the care plan helps avoid burnout

While the EHR documents what's been done, automating lets physicians and the care team know what to do going forward.

Workflow can determine whether technology is a burden or benefit to physicians

Knowing how doctors work, seeing "how their brains worked" helped inform new app.

Double and triple booked provider schedules are overwhelming office staff

Q&A with Availity's Lillian Phelps on the challenges of claim attachments, denial management and prior authorizations.

The digital transformation in healthcare has just begun, according to Accenture report

The industry has accepted that digital is here to stay, with 87% of executives saying their organization's business and technology strategies are becoming inseparable.

TelemedInsights taps into physician demand for standardized telehealth care

Physicians are looking for guidance on telehealth, including updated regulatory and reimbursement policy.

COVID-19 recovery is hampered by mounting physician shortages, AAMC finds

Both primary care and specialist medicine are facing potentially severe shortfalls over the next decade and a half.

New School of Nursing facility is aimed at alleviating rural nursing shortage

Where nurses study often determines where they work.

'A long way still to go,' says Waikato DHB

Manual processes that were instituted following the cyberattack are still necessary in many functions across the DHB.

ONC launches new $80M workforce development program

The initiative, funded from the American Rescue Plan, is aimed at public health informatics and data reporting and seeks to boost minority-serving institutions such as HBCUs.

Federal judge dismisses anti-vax lawsuit brought by Houston Methodist employees

The COVID-19 vaccines are neither experimental nor dangerous, the judge says in ruling.

Revenue cycle directors deal with a competitive market for staff as elective care returns

Because of COVID-19's push to a remote workforce, hospitals are competing for billers and coders not just locally, but nationally.

Epic employees to return to the office starting this summer

The electronic health record vendor says employees will need to return to the office at least three days per week, starting July 19.

Cerner announces hybrid model for workers this fall

The majority of associates will be able to choose between working in the office or from home – in contrast with Epic, which will bring its workers back to campus starting in July.

Cerner eliminates 500 jobs from labor force

The vendor said it remained focused on delivering benefits to clients, associates and shareholders.

Physician compensation remained modest but steady throughout the pandemic, new MGMA report finds

"MGMA's modest compensation findings belie the turmoil of 2020," says CEO and president Dr. Halee Fischer-Wright.

COVID-19 having an impact on physicians' salaries, though pay remains high

Physicians' earnings are on the rise, but the coronavirus has had a dampening effect, and many practices are struggling.

Atrium Health's quick turnaround allowed for digital innovation during the pandemic

Next week HIMSS will release data from its State of Healthcare survey.

Over 100 Houston Methodist employees sue health system over vaccine mandate

"Methodist Hospital is forcing its employees to be human 'guinea pigs' as a condition for continued employment."

DOC bill would permanently fund physician training to serve high need areas

The bill would give incentive for medical school graduates to go into primary and family care rather than a more lucrative specialty.

CEO Coalition readies to take action to support hospital staff

Declaration of Principles includes psychological and emotional wellbeing, justice, and physical safety, says UCLA Hospital System CEO Johnese Spisso.

How IT leaders are reimagining and repurposing technologies to handle new challenges

In the latest installment of our COVID-19 era lessons learned feature series, execs with varied backgrounds put the patient at the center while pursuing IT transformation.

Anthem collaborates with Epic to give providers more data-driven insights

Providers will be able to send prior authorizations through Epic instead of using phone or fax.

Technology must meet clinician needs to manage burnout

HIMSS research found that digital transformation has the potential to either decrease or increase healthcare workers' stress levels, according to how it is implemented.

How AI can truly advance healthcare and research, and where it's gone wrong

Artificial intelligence expert Derek Baird of Sensyne Health explains the state of AI in healthcare today and talks about mistakes made and opportunities ahead.

Biden administration to invest $7 billion from American Rescue Plan to hire, train public health workers

The White House expects the move will create jobs that will support vaccinations, testing, contact tracing and community outreach.

Demand is high for healthcare workers while labor numbers stagnate

Hospitals are at an inflection point and are focusing on the mental health and wellbeing of staff, says recruiting consultant.

Telehealth can increase nurse workloads, study shows

The use of in-home monitoring for Type 2 diabetes and hypertension patients led to twice as many activities completed by nurses.

CEO Coalition commits to physical, psychological and emotional workplace safety

The pandemic exacerbated how violence, stress and systemic inequities and racial injustice impact the wellbeing of staff.