While every organization is unique and will need to tailor workforce plans to their situation, below are practical strategies that cancer programs can deploy to position themselves for a successful pandemic recovery.
» Scale staffing to meet patient demand, but avoid overstaffing. Maximize flexibility. Pursue capacity-increasing models (e.g., extended operating hours), but survey staff to gauge their support.
» Use technology to alleviate staff responsibilities (e.g., automated triage tools); implement digital health strategies to help staff work top-of-license.
» Recognize staff limitations due to outside demands (e.g., child care). Be cognizant of emotional burdens and encourage (and offer) counseling.
» Evaluate and monitor provider staffing to ensure readiness to handle capacity fluctuations. Prepare to absorb increased capacity through care model adjustments (e.g., increasing APP roles).
» Be transparent about the impact of COVID-19 on production-based compensation and adjust when necessary. Consider compensation guarantees for providers under such arrangements with year-end reconciliation periods. Proactively communicate about what to expect for 2021.
This is part of the COVID-19 oncology response series from ECG Management Consultants. For more information, visit ECG’s website.
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