Optimization of Self-Scheduling to Enhance Respiratory Therapist Skill Mix...American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Congress, November 20-23, 2024, Orlando, Florida.

Background: The aim of this study was to develop a self-scheduling system to optimize skill mix on a day-to-day basis, thereby enhancing clinical competency and employee satisfaction. The study sought to determine if creating a skill-based schedule could address competency concerns and reduce employ...

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Published in:Respiratory Care Vol. 69; pp. 4131373 - 4131374
Main Authors: Winn, Kenneth Rabin, Santanicola, Kimberly
Format: abstract proceedings research Journal Article
Published: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2024 Supplement
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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      dt: 2024 Supplement
      vid: 69
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      pub: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
      place: New Rochelle, New York
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        atl: Optimization of Self-Scheduling to Enhance Respiratory Therapist Skill Mix...American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) Congress, November 20-23, 2024, Orlando, Florida.
      aug:
        au:
          Winn, Kenneth Rabin
          Santanicola, Kimberly
        affil: Respiratory Care, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States
      sug:
        subj:
          Respiratory Therapists
          Clinical Competence
          Personnel Staffing and Scheduling
          Absenteeism
          Employees
          Job Satisfaction
          Congresses and Conferences Florida
          Florida
      ab: Background: The aim of this study was to develop a self-scheduling system to optimize skill mix on a day-to-day basis, thereby enhancing clinical competency and employee satisfaction. The study sought to determine if creating a skill-based schedule could address competency concerns and reduce employee absenteeism. Methods: The scheduling system was designed by first allocating shifts to highly skilled team members to ensure the minimum staffing requirements for each unit/day were met. Subsequently, additional shifts were assigned to less experienced team members who could benefit from mentorship. This approach facilitated self-scheduling and self-balancing, promoting work-life balance for employees, and reducing managerial burden. The creation of a skill-mixed schedule aimed to strengthen team dynamics, provide robust support, enhance employee satisfaction, and lower absenteeism rates. The study posited that employees who felt supported in their learning and work-life balance would be more likely to take ownership of their assigned patient care unit. Results: Initially, the scheduling system required 46 adjustments (pulls) for the first schedule. After iterative refinements and considering vacancies, paid time off requests, holidays, and other off requests, the system evolved. This optimization process reduced the number of pulls to 46, then to 26, 21, 11, 8, and eventually only 3. The results showed a significant decrease in absenteeism and punitive action, along with improved retention rates (< 5%) and employee satisfaction (above benchmark). Conclusions: Implementing a skill-based scheduling system ensures that the right skills are available in the right units at the right times. This system supports mentorship and skill development, leading to better clinical outcomes, such as reduced safety events, length of stay, and readmissions. While also improving patient satisfaction. The study demonstrates that a well-designed self-scheduling system can enhance team performance, reduce absenteeism, and improve overall employee satisfaction.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        abstract
        proceedings
        research
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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