Patient and provider experience have to be top-of-mind in the year ahead, healthcare vendor leaders say, with special attention to stressed hospital workers and underserved populations.
Rhonda Collins, RN, chief nursing officer at Vocera, developer of clinical communication tools, also hopes to see a redoubled effort to address the many significant challenges facing the workforce and the workplace as the COVID-19 crisis continues into its third year. Hospitals and health systems are grappling with "ongoing labor shortages, increased workplace violence and many other burdens impacting the safety and well-being of pandemic-weary healthcare workers," said Collins. She emphasized the importance of fostering feelings of trust and safety – for patients and hospital staff alike.