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The mere mention of "staffing models" in the healthcare technology field seems to strike up a broad spectrum of reactions and emotions. Some, usually management, see a staffing model as a helpful tool and others, usually staff, see it as a threat. In practice, a staffing model is a useful management tool and, if developed and implemented properly, can benefit staff by positioning resources in a way that promotes a healthy work environment. However, finding an ideal industry standard staffing model is a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, a threelegged ballerina, and a diamond in the rough next to a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We are on this quest to find a reliable way to use the same standards to staff our teams.
I am not a history expert, but I'm pretty sure that the ancient Egyptians didn't build the pyramids starting with the capstone, working their way to the ground. An industry standard staffing model is our "capstone." Before getting to that point, there are things we can do to build the foundation for continuous improvement. There is great research available and thoughtful industry discussion taking place regarding benchmarking as it pertains to clinical engineering (CE) staffing. We can use some simple techniques to develop a model that fits our needs without complicating the issue or strapping our current resources.
To start, I offer this definition of "staffing model." A staffing model takes a series of relevant inputs (i.e., data) and provides a series of outputs (i.e. reports) that can be used as a tool in allocating staffing resources. At this point, it would be very easy to digress into a debate about CE benchmarking. While this article touches on benchmarking, the primary focus here is on developing or assessing a staffing plan.
The Key Steps
The first step in developing an effective staffing model is to identify your goals. Your motivation for utilizing a model can shape how you want your results to look and feel. If your organization struggles with financial performance, you may want to reallocate your resources to cut costs. You may want to become more efficient so you can take on other responsibilities. You may have received some negative feedback from...