A shortage of staff continues to plague the U.S. healthcare system. According to a tracker from the Kaiser Family Foundation and Peterson Center on Healthcare, the healthcare sector has seen an overall decline of 3.9% in actual versus projected job growth rate based on pre-pandemic levels. There appears to be no end in sight, either, with experts predicting that labor shortages will continue to pose challenges to health systems throughout 2023.
As a result, healthcare organizations are searching for ways to mitigate the negative impact of staffing shortages. Fortunately, group purchasing organizations (GPOs) have identified efficient and cost-effective solutions for their members.
Harnessing the power of their CNECT membership, our members are employing these strategies to combat their staffing issues.
1) Utilizing Discounted Staffing Solutions
Among the many contracts GPOs negotiate with suppliers, agreements with human resources experts and recruitment firms have become crucial to members.
These companies provide recruiting services and HR management for providers seeking healthcare professionals — including physicians, nurses, technicians, and specialists — as well as administrative and support staff.
2) Increasing Staff Pay by Reducing Operating Costs
As part of a GPO, members have access to discounted prices on the items they purchase regularly, such as medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and office equipment.
With most GPOs offering membership at no cost, a reduction in procurement costs is recognized immediately, generating savings that can be used to increase staff pay.
3) Purchasing Solutions That Facilitate Operational Efficiency
With access to a variety of I.T. solutions, GPO members can mitigate staffing shortages and a lack of capacity by improving their operational efficiency.
These services can be used to develop I.T. infrastructures that accelerate patient registration, automate time-consuming tasks, store and maintain EHRs, and make everyday processes more efficient.
Become a CNECT Member and Combat Staffing Issues
In addition to discounted prices and contracts that address the challenges of being short-staffed, CNECT members also have access to professional procurement support, so they can go straight to an expert when an issue arises.
If you’re interested in joining CNECT GPO, at no cost to your organization, and finding ways to mitigate staffing shortages, contact our friendly team today!