Escape from scarcity: a solution to staff shortages
By 2031, there will be a shortage of 98,000 workers in hospital and elderly care
Our healthcare is of top quality, but it is no longer a secret that we are facing a shortage of hands. The staff shortage, caused by an aging population, is gradually becoming a threat. Especially in elderly care and hospitals, even greater shortages are expected.
The inflow of healthcare personnel is increasing, but the outflow is not decreasing
Common solutions include better employment conditions, career prospects, improved training, labor migration, and inclusion of people with (mild) distance to the labor market. These measures do have an effect, as the inflow of healthcare personnel is rising. However, more action is urgently needed due to the high outflow.
Choices about quality and accessibility seem inevitable
Staff shortages raise difficult questions. Are we willing to accept that care will decline in quality because professionals have to be spread over more patients? The COVID-19 pandemic has given us a preview of the effects of postponing care across the country.
Existing technology can offer a solution
Our medical technology can indeed tackle these problems. Think of mobile communication (telemonitoring, video consultations), Internet of Things, and AI (wearables and real-time localization). The technology is already quite advanced today. Now it is up to stakeholders to deploy these options and make use of existing technology. It not only saves time but can also prevent care needs.
Less healthcare staff needed with our concrete applications
✅ Localization & safety: wander detection, tracking medical devices, efficient wayfinding, and track & trace of personnel and patients.
✅ Smart alerting: wireless nurse call systems, remote monitoring of medical calls, and panic alarms for quick intervention.
✅ Communication solutions: VoIP telephony, mobile accessibility, video communication, and remote speak/listen connections.
✅ IT & network optimization: reliable Wi-Fi, secure networks, and cybersecurity for a stable digital infrastructure.
✅ Digital care support: interactive TV for patients, digital signage, and emergency lighting for a safer environment.
The time to act is now
These technologies are not futuristic; they are already available and proven effective. It is now up to healthcare institutions and policymakers to implement these solutions on a large scale. This way, we keep healthcare accessible without compromising quality.
