September 2022 Work Force Newsletter

Health Care

Workforce Updates

Special Edition - September 2022

We are pleased to announce the release of our 2022 health care workforce report, Critical Condition: Sustainable Investments Required to Build a Skilled, Supported and Equitable Health Care Workforce. In partnership with Finger Lakes Performing Provider System (FLPPS), the Central NY Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and the Western NY Rural AHEC, we surveyed health care employers across 27 counties in late 2020. Based on the workforce survey data, the report details that while New York state has experienced health care workforce shortages for many years, these shortages were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the threat of workforce shortages requires a series of actions:

•     Improving training. Survey respondents identified the critical need for better interpersonal communication, relationship building, cultural responsiveness, and addressing social determinants of health, the conditions and environments where people live, learn, work, play and worship.

•     Overcoming barriers to existing training. Staffing constraints (57%) and time constraints (52%) were identified as the biggest barriers to training. Respondents also reported that organizations should offer a variety of training options, including instructor-led, computer-based, coaching/mentoring and hands-on training.

•     Diversifying the workforce. Increasing the diversity and cultural competence of the health care workforce is critical to reducing health disparities. Along with clinical education, a diverse and representative workforce’s lived experiences provide better patient care by providing insights into the social determinants of health, cultural differences in health behaviors and beliefs, and building trust and recognition for patients.

•     A more consistent approach to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism (DEIA) training. While 72% of respondents indicated that their organization offers DEIA training, 21% reported that the training is voluntary. Respondents also identified interest in learning more about such topics as working with Deaf and hard of hearing populations, and those with disabilities; rural cultural competency; health literacy; trauma-informed care; social determinants of health; and health equity.

The findings in this report are intended to inform health care organizations and educational institutions on training design and development for current and future staff and students. Please share it across your organizations and professional networks.