Importance of the Problem
The problem of staff shortages in nursing homes has been a longstanding issue in the healthcare field. It creates an increased risk of medical errors, inadequate supervision, limited personalized care, and high employee burnout. However, the main consequences that require immediate intervention are the lack of safety and the functional decline of the geriatric population.
For example, if a nursing home is understaffed, there may be delays in responding to emergencies. With limited staff, medication administration becomes rushed and inaccurate. The shortage also creates inadequate supervision of all residents, which can lead to accidents. According to Bishop et al. (1980), “Quality suffers when residents receive too few services in relation to their conditions” (p. 35).
Given the insufficient number of personnel, the threat may be inadequate care and the quality of the services provided. In addition, geriatric patients require continuous care and assistance, which is often impossible during a critical personnel shortage. Unresolved problems in their mental health and reduced social interaction occur. This can have a significant impact on the overall health of these vulnerable individuals.
Addressing the Problem
In response to the nursing home staff shortage, several initiatives should be taken to improve the situation. At the level of a medical facility, it’s worth caring for staffing ratios and skill optimization. According to Bishop et al. (1980), the current two-level classification system categorizes residents by their care needs and providers by their capabilities, facilitating payment variability based on services and resident types. At the regional level, regulatory acts and licensing requirements may be reviewed to ensure adequate staffing levels are in place. At the national level, organizations and agencies can conduct research on staffing patterns, quality of care, and patient outcomes in nursing homes.
Such efforts have value for both the company and the patient in many ways. The company will have an improved reputation and will efficiently allocate its resources, while patients will receive individualized care and an enhanced quality of life. However, there may be obstacles related to excessive implementation costs and data management issues. If these problems are addressed promptly, the potential efforts will create a safe environment for everyone in nursing homes.
Reference
Bishop, C. E., Plough, A. L., & Willemain, T. R. (1980). Nursing home levels of care: Problems and alternatives. Health Care Financing Review, 2(2), 33-45.