Assignment Content
For this assignment, you will work to develop your definition of terms and study assumptions. You should add these sections, as well as the framework section from last week, to your existing paper that you submitted in Week 4 for a full review by your Chair in the classroom (Part 1) and your URM in Teams (Part 2). While your Chair will review your entire chapter, your URM will review your alignment components.
Review the following sections of the “Doctoral Phase 2 – Precis” section of the
CDS Dissertation Guide
on CDS Central:
Definition of Terms
Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations
Develop your Definition of Terms and Assumptions sections. (Note: You will develop the Limitations and Delimitations sections in next week’s assignment.)
Adhere to the Doctoral Phase 2 – Precis template found in the CDS Dissertation Guide.
Note: Definitions should be precise and you should use terms consistently throughout the document, cite sources, write definitions at operational level, and do not use dictionary definitions.
Combined, these sections should be 1-3 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.
Complete the following 2 parts to this assignment.
Submit your updated precis (which should include the definition of terms, and assumptions, limitations, and delimitations sections), as well as a completed change matrix to your Chair.
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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.
Running head: Prospectus Draft
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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
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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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Conceptual Framework
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Title
Instructor’s Name
Date
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Conceptual Framework
The theoretical framework for this inquiry has been decided upon as being the Job
Demands-Resources Model. This theory contends that work-related demands like heavy
workloads and anxiety can lead to exhaustion and other unpleasant outcomes, but workplace
amenities like flexibility and peer support can lessen these effects and enhance welfare
(Flaherty & Bartels, 2019). This model is relevant to understanding the factors contributing to
burnout and job dissatisfaction among healthcare professionals. It recognizes that healthcare
professionals face demanding work environments, long hours, and high levels of stress,
which can contribute to burnout. By identifying the job demands and resources within the
healthcare workforce, this study can propose interventions and strategies to mitigate burnout
and improve job satisfaction.
A theoretical framework for evaluating the connection between job demands, job
resources, and outcomes like burnout and job satisfaction is provided by the job demandsresources model. It acknowledges the importance of considering both the negative aspects
(job demands) and the positive aspects (job resources) of the work environment in
understanding employee well-being. By applying this model to the healthcare workforce, the
study can explore how specific job demands, such as high patient caseloads or administrative
burdens, contribute to burnout (Flaherty & Bartels, 2019). It can also examine the role of job
resources, such as supportive colleagues or opportunities for professional development, in
mitigating the negative effects of job demands.
The Job Demands-Resources Model aligns with the broader theoretical area of
organizational behavior, which focuses on understanding the behavior and attitudes of
individuals within organizations. This model has been widely used in research on burnout and
job satisfaction across various industries and professions, including healthcare. The Job
Demands-Resources Model, which is a component of the theoretical structure, emphasizes
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the role that the workplace atmosphere has in influencing staff interactions and results. It
recognizes that addressing job demands and providing adequate job resources are crucial for
promoting well-being and reducing burnout among healthcare professionals.
The Job Demands-Resources Model falls within the broader theoretical area of organizational
behavior, which focuses on understanding the behavior and attitudes of individuals within
organizations. It aligns with other theories and models in this field, such as the Job
Characteristics Model, which emphasizes the importance of job design and the impact of job
characteristics on employee motivation and satisfaction (Chen & Chen, 2021). By
incorporating the Job Demands-Resources Model into the study, 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. This
can be achieved through strategies such as increasing recruitment efforts, expanding
educational programs, and implementing policies to incentivize healthcare professionals to
work in underserved areas (Flaherty & Bartels, 2019).
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References
Chen, Y. L., & Chen, S. J. (2021). Looking at both sides of high-performance work systems
and individual performance: A job demands− resources model. Journal of
Management & Organization, 1-21.
Flaherty, E., & Bartels, S. J. (2019). Addressing the community-based geriatric healthcare
workforce shortage by leveraging the potential
Running Header: Population Sample and Significance of Study
Population Sample and Significance of Study
Samantha Powell
University of Phoenix
DOC/715: Doctoral Seminar I
Dr. Letha Williams
June 19, 2023
1
Population Sample and Significance of Study
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Population
The population for this study encompasses a diverse group of healthcare professionals
employed across a range of healthcare settings. These settings may include hospitals, clinics,
and long-term care facilities, which collectively offer a comprehensive representation of the
healthcare landscape. By including professionals from different environments, the study aims
to capture a broader perspective on the topic under investigation (Mishra & Alok, 2022). The
primary focus of this study is on healthcare professionals directly engaged in patient care.
This category includes physicians, who play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating patients,
nurses who provide compassionate care and support, and allied health professionals who
contribute their specialized expertise to the healthcare team. By including these specific
groups, the study aims to analyze the experiences, perspectives, and challenges faced by
those individuals who have direct interaction with patients on a regular basis. By examining
the views and experiences of healthcare professionals, the study intends to gain valuable
insights into the dynamics of patient care, quality improvement initiatives, and the overall
functioning of healthcare systems (Kaushik & Walsh, 2019). This research population
represents a diverse range of professionals with varying levels of expertise and
responsibilities, providing a rich dataset for analysis and enabling the findings to be
generalized to a larger population of healthcare professionals.
Sample
The sample for this study will focus on healthcare professionals employed at a large
urban hospital in the United States. This hospital setting offers a diverse and representative
sample, as urban hospitals typically serve a broad range of patients with varying medical
conditions and needs. By selecting this specific setting, the study aims to gather insights that
can be generalized to similar healthcare institutions across the country. The sample will be
selected using a convenience sampling method, which involves recruiting participants based
Population Sample and Significance of Study
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on their accessibility and willingness to participate (Norman, et al., 2021). This method offers
practical advantages, such as ease of recruitment and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable
for this study’s scope and resources. To reach potential participants, email invitations will be
sent to healthcare professionals employed at the hospital. Additionally, flyers will be
strategically posted within the hospital premises to increase visibility and encourage
participation.
To ensure the relevance and meaningfulness of the data collected, the study will
employ specific inclusion criteria. Healthcare professionals included in the sample must have
been working at the hospital for at least six months. This criterion ensures that participants
have gained sufficient experience and exposure to the hospital’s healthcare environment,
enabling them to provide valuable insights into their patient care experiences. Furthermore,
the inclusion criteria emphasize professionals directly involved in patient care, aligning with
the study’s primary focus on this specific group. By selecting a sample of healthcare
professionals from a large urban hospital, the study can capture a wide range of perspectives,
experiences, and challenges encountered in a bustling healthcare setting. The convenience
sampling method allows for efficient recruitment, facilitating the timely execution of the
study. Moreover, the inclusion criteria ensure that participants have substantial experience
and engagement in direct patient care, enhancing the study’s validity and the applicability of
its findings. However, it is important to acknowledge that the sample’s characteristics, such as
the specific urban hospital and its healthcare professionals, may limit the generalizability of
the study’s findings to other healthcare settings. Nonetheless, the insights gained from this
sample can still provide valuable information and serve as a basis for further research and
interventions within similar contexts.
Significance of the Study
Population Sample and Significance of Study
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The significance of this study lies in its unique approach to understanding and
addressing the challenges faced by healthcare professionals within a specific healthcare
setting. By focusing on a particular hospital, the study can provide a comprehensive
examination of the issues encountered by these professionals and offer evidence-based
solutions to mitigate these challenges. The findings of this study hold practical implications
for improving the well-being and resilience of healthcare professionals. The healthcare
industry is known for its demanding and stressful nature, and healthcare professionals often
face burnout, compassion fatigue, and other psychological burdens (van Oers, 2021). By
identifying the specific challenges faced by professionals in this hospital setting,
interventions can be designed to target these issues directly. Implementing evidence-based
solutions that address these challenges can contribute to creating a healthier and more
supportive work environment, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of healthcare
professionals.
Moreover, this study’s findings have the potential to improve patient care. By
understanding the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in delivering care,
interventions can be designed to enhance the quality and effectiveness of patient interactions.
Improved work conditions, reduced stress levels, and increased job satisfaction among
healthcare professionals can positively impact patient outcomes, fostering a more positive
healthcare experience for patients. Efficiency in healthcare delivery is another aspect that can
benefit from this study’s results. By identifying and addressing the challenges that hinder
efficiency in this specific healthcare setting, interventions can be developed to optimize
workflow, reduce administrative burdens, and streamline processes. Such improvements can
lead to more effective resource allocation, shorter wait times, and improved overall efficiency
in healthcare delivery. Furthermore, this study’s outcomes can contribute to the development
of a sustainable healthcare workforce. Understanding the challenges faced by healthcare
Population Sample and Significance of Study
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professionals in a specific setting can inform policy decisions and interventions aimed at
creating supportive environments and promoting retention within the profession. By
addressing these challenges, healthcare organizations can better attract, retain, and support
talented professionals, ensuring a sustainable and resilient healthcare workforce that can meet
the evolving needs of the population and deliver high-quality care. Ultimately, the study’s
findings can make an original and practical contribution by informing policy decisions and
interventions in healthcare settings beyond the specific hospital being studied.
Population Sample and Significance of Study
References
Mishra, S. B., & Alok, S. (2022). Handbook of research methodology.
Kaushik, V., & Walsh, C. A. (2019). Pragmatism as a research paradigm and its implications
for social work research. Social sciences, 8(9), 255.
Norman, J. E., Lawton, J., Stock, S. J., Siassakos, D., Norrie, J., Hallowell, N., … & Whyte,
S. (2021). Qualitative research. In Feasibility and design of a trial regarding the
optimal mode of delivery for preterm birth: the CASSAVA multiple methods study.
NIHR Journals Library.
van Oers, H. (2021). Burnout, compassion fatigue and suicidal ideation in oncology
healthcare professionals.
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