Nurse Shortage, Burnout Top Concerns for Healthcare Workers: AI Seen as Potential Solution

A recent survey by Carta Healthcare® highlights the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in the United States, conducted by Propeller Insights among 500 healthcare workers in January/February 2024.

Staff shortages and burnout are significant issues in the healthcare industry according to the survey, with staffing shortages identified as a primary cause of burnout by healthcare workers.

Other contributing factors to burnout include low pay, long hours, quality of care decline, personnel issues, lack of necessary supplies and equipment, leadership concerns, and administrative tasks.

There's a notable correlation between staffing shortages and longer wait times, with healthcare workers expressing concern about worsening wait times without increased staffing.

Many healthcare workers are considering alternative career paths due to low pay, long hours, short-staffed facilities, lack of leadership, and personnel issues.

Factors that could improve job satisfaction include higher pay, increased staffing, more time for direct patient care, and technological advancements.

Despite challenges, healthcare workers and consumers see potential in AI-powered solutions to address staffing shortages, although there's a gap in awareness about AI in healthcare between healthcare workers and consumers.

Healthcare workers generally believe that AI can improve patient experiences and combat labor shortages, with preferred AI applications including data analytics, clinical documentation management, and tools to reduce administrative burdens.

Exciting new healthcare technologies for workers include medical imaging for early disease detection, tools to reduce administrative burdens, and faster diagnostics for improved patient outcomes.

Quotes from Carta Healthcare CEO Brent Dover:

• Dover acknowledges the challenges faced by healthcare professionals due to labor shortages and expresses confidence in technology such as AI to help address these challenges.

Survey Methodology:

• The survey was conducted by Propeller Insights between January 30th and February 7th, 2024, with a margin of error of +/- 4 percentage points.