Technology, tools, and data strategies can optimize resources and workflows to reduce burdens and stressors in the workplace. Some considerations that organizations can make are:
- Assess the current capacity to use technology and data to optimize efficiency. (1)
- Include direct-care staff in decisions that impact their practice environments and workflows when acting on data-informed plans (1)
- Intentionally collaborate with direct-care staff to develop, test, and implement innovative measures to streamline processes and reduce burden. (2)
- Identify redundant data collected across platforms and find ways to integrate technology to streamline a single collection point. (3)
- Use technology to better estimate scheduling needs and allow flexibility for shifts by converting scheduling away from manual inputs for day-to-day staffing. (1)
- Digitize competency to inform staffing decisions electronically, which can help predict staffing that will minimize assignment frustration. (1)
- Perform analytics to identify staff engagement trends and potential burnout indicators to enhance efforts in creating a healthy workplace environment. (1)
- Align all stakeholders to support nurses with timely resources using technology and data to guide decisions. (1)
- Support a meaningful recognition culture by integrating data to facilitate triggers that lead to recognition moments. (1, 4)
References:
- UKG and Wolters Kluwer. (2022). Nursing’s Wake Up Call: Change is Now Non-Negotiable. UKG and Wolters Kluwer. https://assets.contenthub.wolterskluwer.com/api/public/content/4cf675a695da4cfe97105ec756777486?v=65d29918
- Erickson, S. M., Rockwern, B., Koltov, M., & McLean, R. M. (2017). Putting Patients First by Reducing Administrative Tasks in Health Care: A Position Paper of the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine, 166(9), 659. https://doi.org/10.7326/m16-2697
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, National Academy of Medicine, & Well-Being, C. O. S. A. T. I. P. C. B. S. C. (2020). Taking Action Against Clinician Burnout: A Systems Approach to Professional Well-Being (1st ed.). National Academies Press.
- AACN Standards for Establishing and Sustaining Healthy Work Environments: A Journey to Excellence (2nd ed.). (2016). American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. https://www.aacn.org/WD/HWE/Docs/HWEStandards.pdf