Isn't Always the Right Answer
By Ralph E. Jordan, Founder & CEO
I was catching up on some reading and just finished reviewing a 2011 study sponsored by the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) in association with a private HR firm. In a survey of 234 Healthcare HR professionals, a few key findings were reported. This prompted my thinking about perfusion staffing in the O.R.
The report concluded the following points regarding HR departments' desires to cut costs with regard to hospital staffing:
- Sixty-nine percent (69%) stated that they needed to streamline their HR processes as an initiative to cut costs.
- Sixty-six percent (66%) want to improve retention rates as a cost-cutting measure.
- Thirty-four percent (34%) desire to reduce reliance on agencies and temporary workers.
- Thirty-two (32%) would like to redesign compensation and benefits plans.
Indeed, staffing is a matter of major concern because of the effects it can have on patient safety and quality of care, so minimum standards are the norm and presumed. It's also understood that it is a challenge to balance costs while keeping in mind that patients come first. In consideration of the O.R. and the job of the perfusionists, an obvious sound strategy for those hospitals which are managing their own heart surgery programs may include establishing lean perfusionist staffing levels. Also, in an effort to maximize budgets, one doesn't want to pay for underutilized resources. And for the most part, though it is more art than science, this type of management results in a tightly run department with good patient care and outcomes and financial sensibility. You determine staff levels for your department based upon need; and past experience is the best predictor of the future, right? As such, forecasting needs are based upon trends.
Oh, Really? Murphy's Law tells us that what can go wrong does go wrong. To quote the Great Dwight Eisenhower: "the plan is everything, the plan is nothing." Of course planning is critically important in healthcare, but reality rarely plays out as expected, especially when the forces are human, especially in matters of cardiovascular surgery, especially when it comes to hospital emergencies. You don't want to be caught short, nor do you want to presume your core staff (which may already be overworked) can pull extra hours in overtime in a pinch. (In fact, a fairly recent research report shows that there is a high percentage of sleep-deprived perfusionists based upon heavy caseloads and overscheduling). But pulling from existing resources is just exactly what many hospitals try to do... limping through, stretching thin. Is this the best possible way?
The survey findings say that HR departments want to "reduce reliance on agencies and temporary workers" to save costs. But there's a Paradigm Shift Hospital HR Departments need to take in their thinking.
Here's the Paradigm Shift: In most cases, employing locum tenens perfusionists through Trident Health Resources, Inc. to meet patient demand in hospitals would cost less than paying overtime. Contracting perfusion services can save on associated costs of benefits and compensation issues of hospitals hiring permanent additional staff. And the use of locum services always assuages the burden of overworked staff. Did you know that Trident just may be a staffing alternative that ends up less of a hit to the budget than hiring more permanent staff or paying overtime, less of a strain on your team, less trouble all around?
Rather than overburdening hospital staff and finances, the obvious solution is to make greater use of flexible locum Trident perfusionists to support the workforce during periods of high demand. Not only does it cost less, hour for hour, but it also prevents overworked staff, which could compromise patient care. Trident offers solutions. We respond within hours and in virtually all emergent cases, we can have a certified perfusionist flown to your location, working by the next day.
Don't wait until emergency strikes... we welcome hospitals to contact us and establish a working relationship early on... before the need arises. Visit Trident's website to learn more about our locums services as well as our long-term comprehensive program for your heart program including:
Trident Health Resources, Inc. employees are top notch certified clinical perfusionists, skilled and experienced in a wide variety of clinical modalities.
- 24-hour coverage, 365 days per year
- Unlimited back-up assured
- Satisfaction of Trident personnel
guaranteed with client final approval - Recruiting and relocating costs paid by
Trident. - Complete program for Continuing
Education, Perfusion Re- Certification and
related expenses provided - Comprehensive systems for compliance with quality improvement guidelines required for
hospital accreditation and inspection including all reports and documentation - Insurance provided for all Trident employees including liability and malpractice coverage
- Fees invoiced at predetermined fixed rate on either a per case or capitated basis
- Risk sharing available with long term contracts
Trident Health Resources, Inc. is a perfusion services management company that supports hospital open heart programs through consultative leadership and staffing support. We do more than "put a person behind a pump" or simply place certified staff with you as an employment agency might do. Our consultative role expands into the management of all the related functions of perfusion services - from program financing, supplies, staff training, and administration on a 24/7, 365 days per year basis. Since 1988, we've provided specialty perfusion services and successfully assisted hospitals to save costs and meet or exceed goals for quality perfusion services.
We can Address Your Specific Needs:
- If you are establishing a NEW Open Heart Program
- If you are considering Perfusion Services Outsourcing from In-hospital
- If you are considering Changing Perfusion Contractors
- If you Need Locum Tenens Staffing
Let Trident help when resources in the O.R. are stretched thin.
CALL TODAY! (800) 888-8408
LINK TO THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF THE HEARTBEAT!
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