Running head: Prospectus Draft1
Prospectus Draft
Samantha Powell
University of Phoenix
DOC/715: Doctoral Seminar I
Dr. Letha Williams
June 6, 2023
Prospectus Draft
2
Prospectus Draft
Topic
Building a Sustainable Healthcare Workforce: Challenges and Evidence-Based Solutions
Question
What are the key challenges facing the healthcare workforce, and what evidence-based
solutions can be proposed to address these challenges?
Working Thesis
The healthcare workforce faces numerous challenges, including workforce shortages,
burnout, skill gaps, and inefficiencies, which compromise patient care and limit access to
healthcare services. By examining the existing literature and conducting surveys and
interviews with healthcare professionals, policymakers, healthcare leaders, and educators,
this study aims to propose evidence-based solutions to build a sustainable healthcare
workforce capable of meeting the evolving needs of the population and delivering optimal
care.
Roadmap
This study will use a mixed-methods approach, including literature review, surveys, and
interviews, to examine the challenges facing the healthcare workforce and propose evidencebased solutions. The Human Resource Management (HRM) framework will be used to
analyze the challenges and develop strategies for building a sustainable healthcare workforce.
The study will inform policymakers, healthcare leaders, and educators on effective workforce
policies, education programs, and management practices that can enhance the resilience and
performance of the healthcare workforce.
Prospectus Draft
3
Works Cited
Creswell, J. W., & Hirose, M. (2019). Mixed methods and survey research in family medicine
and community health. Family medicine and community health, 7(2).
Flaherty, E., & Bartels, S. J. (2019). Addressing the community‐based geriatric healthcare
workforce shortage by leveraging the potential of interprofessional teams. Journal of
the American Geriatrics Society, 67(S2), S400-S408.
Rotenstein, L. S., Berwick, D. M., & Cassel, C. K. (2022). Addressing well-being throughout
the healthcare workforce: the next imperative. JAMA, 328(6), 521-522.
Willard-Grace, R., Knox, M., Huang, B., Hammer, H., Kivlahan, C., & Grumbach, K. (2019).
Burnout and healthcare workforce turnover. The Annals of Family Medicine, 17(1),
36-41.
Wright, T., Mughal, F., Babatunde, O. O., Dikomitis, L., Mallen, C. D., & Helliwell, T.
(2022). Burnout among primary health-care professionals in low- and middle-income
countries:
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Addressing the Critical Need for a Sustainable Healthcare Workforce: An Exploration
of Workforce Challenges and Solutions
Samantha Powell
University of Phoenix
DOC/715: Doctoral Seminar I
Dr. Letha Williams
June 6, 2023
2
Introduction
The healthcare workforce is a critical component of any healthcare system, playing a
vital role in delivering quality care and ensuring positive health outcomes for patients.
However, the healthcare workforce faces numerous challenges that threaten its sustainability
and efficiency. These challenges include workforce shortages, burnout, skill gaps, and
inefficiencies (Rotenstein, Berwick & Cassel, 2022). These issues compromise patient care,
increase workload on existing staff, and limit access to healthcare services, particularly in
underserved communities. A comprehensive examination of these challenges and evidencebased solutions is necessary to build a sustainable healthcare workforce capable of meeting
the evolving needs of the population and delivering optimal care. This study aims to fill the
gaps and deficiencies in the existing literature by conducting a comprehensive examination of
the healthcare workforce challenges and proposing evidence-based solutions. By exploring
workforce shortages, burnout, skill gaps, and inefficiencies, this research seeks to inform
policymakers, healthcare leaders, and educators on strategies for building a sustainable
healthcare workforce. Ultimately, the findings of this study will contribute to the
development of effective workforce policies, education programs, and management practices
that can enhance the resilience and performance of the healthcare workforce.
Background of the Problem
The healthcare industry is facing significant challenges that are threatening the
sustainability and efficiency of the healthcare workforce. These challenges include workforce
shortages, burnout, skill gaps, and inefficiencies, which can compromise the quality of care
and patient outcomes. Despite the critical role of the healthcare workforce, there is a lack of
comprehensive research that explores the complexities of these challenges and proposes
evidence-based solutions. By addressing the challenges facing the healthcare workforce and
proposing evidence-based solutions, this study can contribute to the development of a
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sustainable healthcare workforce that can meet the evolving needs of the population and
deliver optimal care. Several challenges pose significant threats to the stability and efficiency
of the healthcare workforce. A comprehensive review of the existing literature highlights the
following key areas of concern:
1. Workforce Shortages: Numerous regions and healthcare sectors face a shortage of
healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals. These
shortages are exacerbated by factors such as population growth, aging populations, and
geographic maldistribution of healthcare providers. The consequences of workforce shortages
include compromised patient care, increased workload on existing staff, and limited access to
healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities (Willard-Grace et al., 2019).
2. Workforce Burnout and Job Dissatisfaction: Healthcare professionals are confronted with
demanding work environments, long hours, and high levels of stress, which contribute to
burnout and job dissatisfaction. Burnout not only affects individual well-being but also has
detrimental effects on patient care and organizational outcomes. Understanding the causes
and consequences of burnout is crucial in developing interventions to support the well-being
and resilience of the healthcare workforce (Willard-Grace et al., 2019).
3. Skill Gaps and Training Needs: Rapid advancements in medical technology, evolving
healthcare delivery models, and changing patient demographics necessitate continuous skill
development and training for healthcare professionals. However, there are gaps in identifying
and addressing these evolving skill requirements. Bridging these gaps is essential to ensure
that the healthcare workforce remains competent and adaptable to emerging healthcare trends
and technological advancements.
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4. Inefficient Workforce Utilization: Optimal workforce utilization is essential for
maximizing efficiency and productivity in healthcare organizations. However, inefficiencies
such as underutilization of skills, inadequate task delegation, and ineffective workforce
planning contribute to suboptimal healthcare delivery. Understanding the factors influencing
workforce utilization and identifying strategies for improving efficiency can lead to better
resource allocation and enhanced patient care.
The healthcare workforce faces numerous challenges that threaten its sustainability
and efficiency. These challenges include workforce shortages, burnout, skill gaps, and
inefficiencies. These issues compromise patient care, increase workload on existing staff, and
limit access to healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities. The healthcare
industry is constantly evolving, with new trends in healthcare delivery models, healthcare
policies, and healthcare financing emerging regularly. Understanding these trends is essential
in developing effective strategies for building a sustainable healthcare workforce. Moreover,
a sustainable healthcare workforce is critical in achieving healthcare goals, such as improving
patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and addressing health disparities (Flaherty &
Bartels, 2019). A sustainable healthcare workforce can help ensure that patients receive highquality care, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location. Additionally, a
sustainable healthcare workforce can help reduce healthcare costs by improving efficiency
and productivity in healthcare organizations.
The proposed evidence-based solutions can have a significant impact on the
healthcare workforce and the broader healthcare system. For example, solutions that address
workforce shortages can help ensure that patients have access to healthcare services,
particularly in underserved communities (Wright, et al., 2022). Solutions that address burnout
and job dissatisfaction can help improve the well-being and resilience of healthcare
professionals, leading to better patient care and organizational outcomes. Solutions that
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address skill gaps and training needs can help ensure that the healthcare workforce remains
competent and adaptable to emerging healthcare trends and technological advancements.
Finally, solutions that address inefficient workforce utilization can help maximize efficiency
and productivity in healthcare organizations, leading to better resource allocation and
enhanced patient care.
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References
Rotenstein, L. S., Berwick, D. M., & Cassel, C. K. (2022). Addressing well-being throughout
the health care workforce: the next imperative. JAMA, 328(6), 521-522.
Willard-Grace, R., Knox, M., Huang, B., Hammer, H., Kivlahan, C., & Grumbach, K. (2019).
Burnout and health care workforce turnover. The Annals of Family Medicine, 17(1),
36-41.
Wright, T., Mughal, F., Babatunde, O. O., Dikomitis, L., Mallen, C. D., & Helliwell, T.
(2022). Burnout among primary health-care professionals in low-and middle-income
countries: systematic review and meta-analysis. Bulletin of the World Health
Organization, 100(6), 385.
Flaherty, E., & Bartels, S. J. (2019). Addressing the community‐based geriatric healthcare
workforce shortage by leveraging the potential of interprofessional teams. Journal of
the American Geriatrics Society, 67(S2), S400-S408.
Assignment Content
For this assignment, you will begin to develop your population, sample, and
significance of the study sections. Remember, the population is general criteria that
you will use for your study participants, while the sample is the exact subgroup you
will use for your specific study. In the significance section, you should think about
why and how your study is a unique approach to the problem to be investigated, as
well as the potential benefit of your study, and how your study results might make
an original contribution to the field. Be sure to explore the CDS Dissertation
Guide for additional requirements for these sections.
Review the following sections of the “Doctoral Phase 2 – Precis” section of the CDS
Dissertation Guide on CDS Central:
o
o
Population and Sample
Significance of the Study
Develop your Population and Sample and Significance of the Study sections.
Adhere to the “Doctoral Phase 2 – Precis” template found in the CDS Dissertation
Guide.
Combined, these sections should be 3-4 pages long. You may use previous
coursework when developing your dissertation phase deliverables.
Be sure to support all aspects with peer reviewed literature and include APA
formatted references.
Format your paper according to APA guidelines.
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Formatting
Title Page
Citation
Outline
