Editor's Note: On July 21st, 2023, EMS1, Fitch & Associates, and the National EMS Management Association released their annual EMS Trend Report, proudly sponsored by Pulsara. Because the articles and advice found within contain such critical subject matter, we've elected to publish each segment one at a time here on our blog. Read, enjoy, share, and take to heart the following information brought to you by the most prestigious thought leaders in EMS. This fifth and final entry for 2023 is contributed by Pulsara.
Pioneering patient management and communication tools may be the answer to enhancing provider job satisfaction and combating EMS retention problems
With staff retention emerging as a top concern in EMS, the need for effective solutions to combat this critical issue is apparent. As revealed by the 2023 EMS Trend Survey – a joint effort of EMS1, Fitch & Associates, EMS Survey Team, and the National EMS Management Association – retention, recruitment, and career development significantly influence the effectiveness of EMS services.
Numerous factors play a role in these challenges, with compensation, leadership quality, late calls, and hospital wait times being the key issues. With a staggering 87% of respondents citing compensation as a major influence on retention, followed by poor leadership (72%), late calls (66%), hospital delays (53%), and the criminalization of medical errors (40%), the complexity and depth of the problem become evident.
However, these hurdles aren’t insurmountable. Innovative strategies such as wellness programs, alternative service models, and technology solutions can help reduce irritations, bolster employee satisfaction, and improve staff retention.