Stephane Bensoussan (pictured below), head of operations at dizmo and the product owner of Planisy, explores how workplace planning software can indirectly improve hospital waiting times by optimising the management of resources such as rooms, personnel, and equipment
Workforce planning software, implemented correctly, can have a significant positive impact on efficiencies and staff wellbeing
Healthcare is an industry characterised by intricate processes and resources.
And management plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless operations and optimal patient care.
The challenges inherent in operational procedures include the requirement for flexibility as needs shift, the complexity of resource allocation in medical environments, and the navigation of shortages across personnel and supplies.
Many healthcare systems were already grappling with inadequate resourcing before the COVID-19 pandemic, which were further exacerbated by economic downturn, staff shortages, and supply chain disruptions.
Research from an OECD report indicates that as much as a fifth of health spending is wasteful, and could be reduced, or eliminated, with better resource management.
And, with as much as 9.6% of European GDP directed to healthcare, reducing such spending is important, not only for improving healthcare management, but also for improving patient experiences.
As the industry evolves, healthcare departments and pharmaceutical businesses must adopt more-agile working methods that reduce unnecessary expenditure and support operational needs.
Investing in intuitive technology solutions to address resource insufficiencies and data administration, will provide a stable foundation to thrive in a post-pandemic era.
In the medical and pharmaceutical industries, stakeholders are confronted with a pivotal challenge: addressing the productivity drain stemming from outdated legacy technology.
While the management of diverse resources remains crucial, the presence of rigid legacy systems has often posed obstacles, impeding the pursuit of enhanced communication and efficiency.
Recent data revealed that 77% of the healthcare sector is still limited by old and outdated technology and, more worrying, 47% of healthcare professionals feel frustrated and negatively impacted by these systems.
To make a real difference, we must start by rethinking how we plan, assign, and schedule resources in our departments, to support, rather than hinder, healthcare employees.
This isn’t just about making things work better internally; it’s also about using the right technology to improve patient experiences.
By utilising operational planning technology that considers the
entire value change, healthcare departments gain control over their operational management, in turn improving the employee experience.
As the industry evolves, healthcare departments and pharmaceutical businesses must adopt more-agile working methods that reduce unnecessary expenditure and support operational needs
This approach also encourages collaboration between sectors of healthcare, including hospitals and pharmacies, leading to
better patient care overall.
Embracing multi-resource planning technology, such as Planisy, designed to tackle the operational issues impacting the healthcare industry, can signify a significant shift, offering dynamic solutions that adapt to rapidly-changing departmental environments.
By eradicating the productivity drain associated with resource allocation, healthcare departments can channel their focus towards core objectives, ranging from efficient patient care to streamlined administrative functions, without encountering needless hindrances.
Navigating the uncertainties that often accompany healthcare operations requires a forward-thinking approach.
This isn’t just about making things work better internally; it’s also about using the right technology to improve patient experiences
Multi-resource planning technology equips healthcare leaders with real-time insights into resource availability, allowing them to adapt swiftly to unforeseen challenges.
And, with enhanced agility, employees of all levels can effectively manage unforeseen circumstances and maintain operations, thus improving healthcare experiences for patients.
Collaboration between hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare modalities is vital to improving patient care and treatment outcomes.
Most existing tools used by healthcare professionals still work in silos, have built-in static flows, and are limited in their collaborative
capabilities.
They are also limited in how dynamically they adapt to new situations, and how they visualise, communicate, and collaborate the results to strategically assign resources and provide data-driven solutions.
The last few years have outlined why it is key to have collaborative systems in place to prepare for any eventuality.
Multi-resource planning technology equips healthcare leaders with real-time insights into resource availability, allowing them to adapt swiftly to unforeseen challenges
More-robust planning technology serves as a catalyst for fostering such collaboration.
And, by providing a unified platform for seamless communication and resource visibility, this technology can enable different departments to work together effectively.
In order to revolutionise departmental functionality and optimise healthcare management, an overhaul of resource planning, and scheduling is essential.
By prioritising the right technology, healthcare professionals can effectively navigate through staff shortages, strikes, supply chain disruptions, and other uncertainties, all while maintaining a high level of operational success and preserving a positive patient experience.
This strategic investment in technology not only assists administration, but also fosters collaboration among hospitals,
pharmacies, and other healthcare modalities, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of patient care.
Technology, as the cornerstone of operational efficiency, holds the key to unlocking a future where seamless collaboration, resource optimisation, and elevated patient experiences are a standard.