How to Prepare Your Workforce for Digital-First Healthcare

The UK’s healthcare service is one of the best healthcare services in the world, but it is now at breaking point. With factors such as; the population increasing, improved life expectancy and the rise in people living longer with multiple long-term health conditions, the demand for healthcare far outweighs the people, technological and financial investments within the healthcare service. It is essential that patients are getting the right care, at the right time, from the right people. Providers and multi-disciplinary teams must work together to ensure the patient journey is simple.

Managing the workforce is a critical element of this. Teams must be flexible enough to adapt to the working needs of the patient; a rigid system leads to inevitable inefficiency. To do this, innovation and a flexible approach to workforce management and the use of new technologies to create visibility and accountability are required. The examples of companies and organisations that have improved their business through digitalisation are endless, and there is no wonder that “digital-first” is a word on everyone’s lips. The digital revolution is nothing new and if you haven’t gotten on the bandwagon yet, it is time to do so.

However, as with all challenges, it is sometimes easier said than done. So how do you prepare your workforce for digital-first healthcare?

At Quinyx, we believe in the power of digital to improve the systems that have an impact on the state of patient care – whether that’s creating a more seamless experience for a patient or freeing up time traditionally spent away from the patient while tackling admin. Digital innovation can be concerning, particularly for those delivering public healthcare services. But we encourage evolution rather than wholesale revolution. Change is challenging, but there are ways to overcome the fear of it and embrace a more attractive working environment.

Healthcare in the UK is undergoing a revolution, not unlike those experienced by other sectors. This revolution is based on demand-driven disruption – primarily led by patients who expect services to match up to their preferences. Digital healthcare providers have particularly been leading the way.

As for many other businesses, adopting a digital-first workforce management solution has been of great importance. One example being digital-first healthcare provider LIVI managing to transform their workforce planning process. A transformation that resulted in the optimisation of their care delivery and improvement of employee happiness.

What does it really mean for a business or organisation that end-users are equipped with modern and digital-first tools? 

In this session, LIVI gives a review of the opportunities and challenges that arise with flexible working. To only mention a few, factors such as increased clinician engagement leading to better patient care and an overall happier workforce, are emphasised.

A workforce revolution must take place in the healthcare sector. And the onus is on healthcare employers to embrace and promote flexibility – and create a happier and more productive workforce, who experience a better work/life balance as a result.