Concerro, a provider of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based workforce management and emergency response systems, announced that it achieved outstanding results at University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina (UHS) using Concerro’s workforce management system.
UHS is an eight-hospital regional health system serving 29 counties in eastern North Carolina. The health systems activated ShiftSelect at six of its hospitals in 2009 to help leverage resources across the enterprise, optimize patient care, reduce contract labor spending and create a versatile workforce with opportunities for work/life balance.
In the first year, more than 5,000 nurses signed up to use the system, filling nearly 50,000 open shifts across 162 units/departments. There was a 50 percent reduction in the use of contract agency nurses. The number came down from 70 FTEs to 40 FTEs which resulted into savings over the previous year as a result of using ShiftSelect coupled with targeted efforts by management.
“In addition to significant savings and efficiency gains, our staff now feels a stronger connection and commitment to UHS as they exercise greater control over their lives,” said Lynn Lanier, vice president of finance and operations for UHS, in a statement.
“Becoming a truly integrated health system is a journey that requires a cultural shift as well as a systemic shift,” Lanier added. “Choosing Concerro’s workforce management system to help facilitate this journey has become the cornerstone for a stronger and more effective healthcare continuum.”
Since last year, 31 percent of open shifts have been awarded to staff from other units throughout UHS.
“UHS is an outstanding example of how Concerro is helping its customers ensure the highest continuity of care for patients in a cost-efficient way,” said Cindy Watson, chief operating officer of Concerro, in a statement.
“We are very pleased to be successfully helping our customers create sustainable work environments that improve staff satisfaction and quality of life, while reducing labor costs and streamlining the workforce management process,” Watson added.
In December 2009, Concerro
announced that it gained 56 new activations for its ShiftSelect in 2009.
Rajani Baburajan is a contributing editor for HealthTechZone. To read more of Rajani's articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Jennifer Russell
