#United States #healthcare #North Carolina #ShiftMed #UNC Health

Revolutionizing Healthcare Staffing: UNC Health and ShiftMed Flex

In an innovative step towards improving healthcare staffing efficiencies, UNC Health has partnered with ShiftMed to implement the ShiftMed Flex platform across its extensive network of clinics. This decision marks a significant transformation in how healthcare organizations manage their workforce, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance internal resource utilization in a critical industry.

The ShiftMed Flex Impact

Since launching the ShiftMed Flex platform, UNC Health has reported remarkable results. The internal float pool participation has doubled, with healthcare staff increasing their average monthly shifts from four to eight. This leap has led to over 3,500 shifts being filled, effectively achieving a 100% increase in shifts worked. Such improvements underscore the necessity and effectiveness of prioritizing internal talent, as highlighted by Leighanne Watson, the Outpatient Clinical Manager at UNC Health.

Watson pointed out the unprecedented ease of matching clinician availability to posted shifts thanks to the platform’s functionality. Real-time visibility allows for improved scheduling efficiency while empowering healthcare professionals to pick up extra shifts when needed. This system not only boosts staff morale by enabling preferred shift selections but also ensures better patient coverage across all clinics.

Advanced Features and Functionality

The ShiftMed Flex platform employs AI-powered Intelligent Routing™ technology, which adeptly matches clinicians' schedules with open shifts. This sophisticated system is designed to use internal resources first, reducing the dependency on costly external staffing options. With a 90% match rate, the Flex platform ensures that clinicians are paired with shifts that maximize both their skill sets and preferences, fostering a more engaged workforce that is critical in healthcare settings.

Besides shift management, the platform provides advanced features such as mobile credentialing and instant payment technologies, which streamline administrative tasks and enhance staff satisfaction. The inclusion of the ShiftMed Rides module, which integrates Uber transportation services, further assists clinicians in reaching their designated workplaces with ease.

A Model for Future Workforce Management

The strategic implementation of ShiftMed Flex is not only revolutionizing shift management for UNC Health but also setting a precedent for healthcare systems nationwide. The emphasis on engaging internal resources cultivates a stable and reliable workforce capable of delivering high-quality care without the financial burden of external staffing. Todd Walrath, CEO of ShiftMed, emphasized that adapting to the evolving healthcare dynamics necessitates a focus on internal resources which can lead to significant cost savings, improved flexibility, and overall workforce satisfaction.

As a healthcare provider rooted in community service, UNC Health operates nearly 20 hospitals and over 900 clinics. The recent shift to a new engagement model represents a broader movement towards maximizing internal capacities while enhancing care delivery. The organization plans to expand the ShiftMed Flex capabilities to inpatient sites and develop an external per diem pool, further bolstering their operational effectiveness across the entire health network.

Conclusion

The collaborative efforts between UNC Health and ShiftMed serve as an inspiring example in the healthcare sector, reinforcing the vital role technology plays in workforce management. By prioritizing internal teams and leveraging innovative solutions like ShiftMed Flex, health systems can optimize staffing strategies, ultimately improving patient care and staff engagement. As healthcare continues to advance, this partnership will certainly inspire others to recognize the untapped potential of their internal workforce, driving both efficiency and satisfaction across the industry.

For additional information about ShiftMed and its services, visit ShiftMed.