Is the Freelance movement the solution for healthcare staffing shortages?

As the demand for healthcare services continues to increase, and the continued expansion of tele-health services, healthcare shortages have become a pressing issue for organizations. In recent years, the freelance movement has gained traction across various industries, and its potential as a solution to healthcare shortages has been an ongoing topic of discussion.  

Advantages of utilizing Freelance / Contractors to bridge the gap:

  • Flexibility and Scalability:
    One of the key advantages of the freelance / Contractor movement is the flexibility it offers. Healthcare organizations can utilize freelance healthcare professionals on an as-needed basis, allowing them to scale their workforce up or down as per the organization's requirements. This flexibility helps to optimize staffing levels, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.

  • Cost Savings:
    Freelancers / Contractors eliminate the need for full-time employee benefits and associated costs such as health insurance, paid leave, and retirement contributions. This can lead to substantial cost savings for healthcare organizations. Freelancers / Contractors  can be engaged for specific projects or periods, minimizing long-term financial commitments and reducing the overall staffing budget.

  • Access to Expertise:
    The freelance movement provides healthcare organizations with unique access to a diverse pool of professionals with specialized skills and expertise. Hiring freelance / Contractors can bring fresh perspectives and novel problem-solving approaches to organizational challenges. This access to specialized knowledge can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization's operations.  Freelance / Contract professionals can support all functions from the medical staff office, revenue cycle management to the physicians providing the care

    Considerations for Implementing the Freelance Movement:

  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
    Healthcare organizations must ensure that they comply with legal and regulatory requirements when engaging freelance / contract professionals. This includes adhering to any applicable employment laws and regulations. Compliance should be a top priority to ensure patient safety and quality of care.

  • Integration and Collaboration:
    Efficient integration and collaboration between freelance / contract professionals and existing staff is crucial for seamless operations. Clear communication channels, well-defined workflows, and shared goals must be in place to ensure effective teamwork and collaboration. Regular communication and feedback mechanisms also help in addressing any concerns or issues that may arise.

  • Continuity and Knowledge Transfer:
    As freelance / contract professionals may work on a project basis or for a limited period, healthcare organizations need to have processes in place for knowledge transfer and continuity. This involves documenting procedures, maintaining up-to-date records, and ensuring smooth handoffs between freelancers and permanent staff members. Emphasis should be placed on preserving institutional knowledge and organizational memory.

  • Finding the Right Fit:
    Healthcare organizations should carefully evaluate and select freelance / contract professionals who align with their values and goals. There are a variety of approaches to identifying highly skil

    1. Talent Acquisition or Human Resources

    2. Healthcare staffing organization

    3. Variety of web based platforms that aid in connecting employers with vetted professionals

The freelance / contractor movement shows promise as a potential solution to address staffing shortages within healthcare organizations. With its flexibility, cost savings, and access to expertise, the freelance / contractor model offers a viable alternative staffing approach. 

References:

Choussat, P., & Cortellini, P. (2019). The Freelance Revolution: The Changing Nature of Work in Healthcare. European Medical Journal. [https://www.emjreviews.com/hospital-management/article/the-freelance-revolution-the-changing-nature-of-work-in-healthcare/]

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