Feeling the strain
The U.S. healthcare system may well be close to breaking point.
With an aging population, palliative care requirements are set to skyrocket in the next 10 years, and despite heavy investments, an ongoing staffing crisis means that basic healthcare needs are not being met.
The result? Ongoing delays, skyrocketing costs, a rise in medical errors, and an increase in adverse outcomes, morbidity, and mortality.
So let’s consider a solution; healthcare outsourcing, and how it may be the cure to U.S. healthcare’s woes.
Outsourcing as the answer
Outsourcing in healthcare isn’t a new idea. But the industry isn’t moving fast enough.
Despite parts of the industry embracing outsourcing – such as medical billing, set to exceed $33bn by 2031 – in general, it is ignoring the opportunity. With the imminent crisis, it is time for the current mindset to be re-evaluated.
Simply put, U.S.-based providers need to be looking further afield. The magic solution to staffing shortages or knowledge gaps no longer exists within the catchment area of a hospital or trust.
Widening their talent pool in lower-cost locations means that thinly stretched margins can be rapidly regained.
Order can be restored, not just to the bottom line, but to the level and amount of care that can be provided to those who need it most.
The global healthcare pool
The concept of outsourcing in healthcare isn’t just about cost savings.
With the scarcity of some specialized healthcare professionals in local markets, hospitals and trusts need to start looking further afield.
Outsourcing staffing requirements means qualitative improvements in healthcare delivery, such as access to specialized skills or 24/7 patient support services.
There is simply a wealth of talent available globally. And if businesses think global, why shouldn’t healthcare trusts?
Different problems, different solutions
By utilizing outsourced healthcare resources, the possibilities of what can be done open up dramatically. No longer are requirements limited by whoever is within commuting distance of a hospital or trust.
Remote staff can assist with complex data analytics, providing insights to boost preventative care. Virtual nursing assistants grant round-the-clock support, no matter where they are located.
By tapping into these global talent pools, we can enable hospitals to focus resources on core competencies, while expanding capabilities that directly enhance patient experiences.
Best practice implementation
Naturally, there is some pushback against the possibility of using outsourced healthcare professionals.
Whether it’s questions of competency, cultural alignment, or resentment
But it shouldn’t be seen like this.
Adding outsourced professionals to any healthcare organization strengthens it, rather than weakening it.
Making the change
Healthcare systems worldwide are facing immense strains – talent shortages, budget constraints, and rising demands. Outsourcing helps alleviate these pressures through global collaboration.
Healthcare leaders must look past the antiquated opinions surrounding the use of outsourced staff.
This isn’t a job-cutting or cost-saving exercise. This is about utilizing global talent in a way that improves quality of service and quality of life.
Question for your business…
Are customary practices holding you back from real opportunities?