Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare sector continues to grapple with countless operational deficiencies – namely, a growing nursing shortage stemming from overwhelming patient backlogs and personnel burnout, which is occurring in tandem with expedited retirements. This crisis has created a vicious cycle in which key medical professionals are vanishing when they are needed most.
In turn, many healthcare institutions are shifting their attention to increased international recruitment efforts, understanding that merely depending on traveling nurses is no longer sustainable or cost-effective. The result is that one of every six US nurses is now from outside the country (though the trend is hardly exclusive to the US).
Still, even as this approach offers temporary solutions, demand in the nursing sector remains high, and for the field to adequately address the issue in a long-term sense, it must streamline federal authorization, alleviate unnecessary protocol snags, and remain committed to ethical and empathetic recruitment processes.
(Click the link above to read her full piece.)
The Chartis Group this week announced a new facility aimed at curbing medical practitioner burnout. The Chartis Center for Burnout Solutions is a joint venture between Chartis and newly-acquired DES Health Consulting, and it will feature a staff consisting of psychologists versed in the healthcare field’s unique mental and emotional challenges.
In a press release published on February 22nd, Chartis Chief Physician Executive Dr. Roger Ray called the project an asset to helping clients “gather deep insights on their workforce, then implement proactive, data-driven solutions that improve wellness and resiliency.”
“The healthcare workforce is a vital part of our communities,” Ray said, “and addressing their health is key to helping our clients materially improve healthcare.
As more healthcare institutions grapple with the residual impact of COVID-19, many facilities continue to struggle with personnel-related deficiencies stemming from staff burnout. Such problems stand to jeopardize care quality and continuity as staff numbers dwindle and patient backlogs mount.
Chartis’s new initiative marks an important turning point in addressing this critical issue, embodying the healthcare field’s commitment to its active personnel’s health and well-being.
Spring is just around the corner, and that means better weather, longer days, and various other reasons to get excited. Amidst these pleasant diversions, it can be easy to overlook certain seasonal aspects of personal health. From allergies to dehydration, the warmer months pose several healthcare considerations to keep front-of-mind as you enjoy the nicer weather. Here are five ways to make sure your spring is healthy and happy:
If you suffer from spring-related allergies, be sure to take proactive measures to prevent and manage your worst symptoms. Stock up on medication, keep up-to-date on daily pollen counts, avoid certain symptom triggers, and schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss high-level allergy concerns.
Hydration is a must during the spring – especially as the season begins its transition into summer. This fact is especially true if you compete in outdoor sports or aerobic exercise, which can quickly sap you of adequate hydration. Try to consume at least 16 ounces of fluid before an activity or exercise, maintaining hydration as much as possible during the event and recovering with at least 16 more ounces per pound lost after.
It’s easy to get excited about warm weather after the dull, cold winter months, and this often tricks people into over-exerting themselves during activity or exercise. In turn, these individuals risk incurring overuse injuries that prevent them from enjoying the nicer conditions. This spring, be sure to remain mindful of your physical limitations as you participate in your favorite activities.
Annual doctor check-ups are an important part of preventative healthcare, and in the spring, they can ensure you are physically ready to participate in warm-weather activities. Whether you are a young athlete preparing for a spring sports season or an adult preparing for a new exercise regimen, a spring physical is a great way to take stock and achieve peace of mind.
As the days get longer and the weather stays warm at later hours, it can be easy to forgo healthy sleeping habits to maximize your seasonal enjoyment. The warmer temperatures can also make sleeping more uncomfortable without proper inside accommodations. Therefore, it is crucial to commit to a consistent sleeping routine once spring begins, adapting your sleeping environment to make the process as easy as possible.