Struggling Medical Practices in Schleswig-Holstein Can't Keep Up with Staff Demand
Numerous medical facilities across Schleswig-Holstein struggle with staff shortages - Medical establishments across Schleswig-Holstein struggle due to insufficient workforce.
Are you tired of hearing about medical practices struggling to keep up with demand in Schleswig-Holstein? We're not, because the issue is far from resolved. Here's the lowdown on the ongoing staffing crisis facing medical practices in this region, along with some ideas on how to alleviate the problem.
The Shortage is Real
The Association of Medical Professions revealed that as of mid-last year, there were 14,929 Medical Assistants (MFA) in Schleswig-Holstein. However, Hannelore König, the Association President, pointed out the demographic trend. The number of trainees has been declining since 2021, she said.
Many MFA are also leaving the profession due to inadequate compensation, excess workload, and high stress levels compared to other healthcare professions, König explained. Jens Lassen, chairman of the House Doctors' Association Schleswig-Holstein, added that MFA play a pivotal role in practices and noted that the profession is both exciting and challenging, evolving over the years.
The Impact
Without MFA, a practice is almost non-existent. The shortage of MFA directly impacts a practice's performance, leading to longer waiting times, restrictions in the range of services, increased workloads for doctors, and even affecting patient care, explains Lassen.
A Nationwide Problem
It's not just Schleswig-Holstein struggling with this issue. The 2023 skill shortage analysis by the Federal Employment Agency in the Schleswig-Holstein/Hamburg region demonstrated a significant shortage of skilled workers in practices. As the baby boomer generation retires and the demand for MFA increases, the situation may intensify further unless appropriate measures are taken.
Potential Solutions
Addressing staff shortages requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are some potential solutions:
- Training and Development Programs
- Improved vocational training programs
- Continuing education and seminars
- Workforce Integration and Support
- Community engagement activities
- Mental health support programs
- Recruitment Strategies
- International recruitment
- Flexible work arrangements
- Industry-Led Initiatives
- Industry standards for working conditions
- Collaboration with health organizations
- Government Incentives
- Financial incentives for training programs or hiring MFA in underserved areas
- Policy support such as tax breaks or housing assistance
Engage with healthcare providers, educational institutions, and government agencies to implement these solutions and tailor them to the specific context in Schleswig-Holstein for better results. Regular assessments of the workforce needs and challenges can help improve the effectiveness of these solutions.
- The ongoing staff shortage in Schleswig-Holstein's medical practices, particularly among Medical Assistants (MFA), could be alleviated through improved vocational training programs, which are essential for equipping the workforce with the latest skills in science and medical-conditions, including managing chronic diseases like chronic-kidney-disease.
- To attract and retain MFAs, health-and-wellness initiatives like mental health support programs and community engagement activities could be implemented, fostering a supportive work environment and promoting the importance of vocational training in the community policy.
- By working in collaboration with educational institutions, government agencies, and health organizations, the implementation of industry-led initiatives such as industry standards for working conditions and improved continuing education and seminars can help make medical practices in Schleswig-Holstein a more attractive career choice for vocational trainees.
