Tom Petruccione
, August 22, 2024
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How advanced scheduling technology is addressing staff shortages and enhancing efficiency and patient care in modern hospitals.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the introduction of advanced scheduling systems is revolutionizing how hospitals operate. A hospital in the South is one of the first to implement Oracle Workforce Scheduling, a move that is setting new standards in healthcare management.  

Alithya has been selected by Oracle as an early adopter and has been trained by Oracle on this module and meets with the Oracle product team to discuss the status and address any issues on a bi-weekly basis.  As the System Implementor to lead this client implementation, the project is currently in flight and is on track for a January 1, 2025 Go-Live.

This implementation demonstrates the transformative impact of Oracle Workforce Scheduling in a real-world healthcare setting. By addressing the specific challenges faced by the hospital and showcasing the tangible benefits, it provides a compelling narrative for the adoption of such systems in the healthcare industry.

Addressing key challenges in healthcare workforce management

Before the implementation, the hospital faced significant challenges in workforce management. Volatile patient demand, complex cost structures, and labor shortages made it difficult to adapt quickly, control rising costs, and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. The need for a system that could address these issues was clear.

Oracle’s innovative solution

Oracle Workforce Scheduling for Healthcare offers a comprehensive solution that balances business needs, compliance, and the employee experience by integrating data from across the organization into one cloud platform. This system allows for AI-assisted scheduling, ensuring that the right staff with the appropriate skills are available to meet patient demands.

Major benefits of advanced scheduling systems in healthcare settings  

The hospital has seen numerous benefits since the implementation:

  • Optimized schedules: The AI scheduling assistant optimizes shift creation, taking into account various parameters such as competencies, skills, and certifications.
  • Reduced labor costs: The automation manages compliance, demand, and worker preferences, leading to significant cost savings.
  • Improved patient care: With a better-staffed workforce, patients receive the care they need when they need it.
  • Enhanced employee satisfaction: Workers now have more flexibility and predictability in their schedules, leading to reduced burnout and turnover.

How Oracle Workforce Scheduling sets a benchmark for healthcare institutions

The success of Oracle Workforce Scheduling will serve as a model for other healthcare institutions. It demonstrates the potential of technology to improve not only the operational aspects of healthcare but also the human elements – patient care and employee well-being.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the integration of such advanced systems will become increasingly crucial. This pioneering hospital has set a precedent, showing that with the right tools, healthcare providers can overcome the challenges of modern healthcare delivery and emerge more resilient and efficient.

Streamlining workforce management with Oracle Workforce Scheduling

In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficient workforce management is crucial for maintaining productivity and employee satisfaction. Oracle’s Workforce Scheduling module offers a comprehensive solution designed to meet the diverse needs of various industries. Let’s explore how this powerful tool can transform your workforce management practices.

What is Oracle Workforce Scheduling?

Oracle Workforce Scheduling and Oracle Workforce Labor Optimization, part of Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM, skillfully balance business needs, compliance, and the employee experience for healthcare organizations by connecting electronic health record (EHR) information and business data from across the organization in one cloud platform.

Key features

  1. AI-powered scheduling: Oracle Workforce Scheduling leverages artificial intelligence to create optimal schedules that align with business needs and compliance requirements. The AI scheduling assistant helps managers prioritize both customer demands and employee preferences, ensuring a balanced approach.
  2. Shift management: The module provides robust shift management capabilities, allowing managers to generate, review, and publish schedules efficiently. This feature ensures that the right employees are scheduled at the right times, reducing the risk of understaffing or overstaffing.
  3. Self-scheduling: Empowering employees to choose their shifts can significantly enhance job satisfaction. Oracle’s self-scheduling feature enables workers to select their preferred shifts within the constraints set by the organization, fostering a more flexible and employee-centric work environment.
  4. Compliance and labor optimization: Ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations is a critical aspect of workforce management. Oracle Workforce Scheduling includes tools to help organizations stay compliant while optimizing labor costs. This includes managing overtime, adhering to break regulations, and ensuring fair scheduling practices.
  5. Industry-specific solutions: Oracle has tailored its Workforce Scheduling module to meet the unique needs of various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. For example, in healthcare, the module integrates with electronic health records to ensure that staffing levels meet patient care requirements.

Benefits of using Oracle Workforce Scheduling

  • Improved efficiency: By automating the scheduling process, Oracle Workforce Scheduling reduces the administrative burden on managers, allowing them to focus on more strategic tasks. This leads to improved operational efficiency and better resource allocation.
  • Enhanced employee experience: Providing employees with more control over their schedules can lead to higher job satisfaction and retention rates. The self-scheduling feature, combined with fair and transparent scheduling practices, helps create a positive work environment.
  • Data-driven decisions: Oracle Workforce Scheduling connects data from across the organization, providing managers with valuable insights into workforce trends and performance. This data-driven approach enables more informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Implement Oracle Workforce Scheduling successfully with help from an early adopter Oracle partner

Oracle Workforce Scheduling is a powerful tool that can revolutionize the way organizations manage their workforce. By leveraging AI, ensuring compliance, and providing industry-specific solutions, it helps businesses optimize their labor force while enhancing the employee experience. Whether you’re in healthcare, manufacturing, retail, or any other industry, Oracle Workforce Scheduling offers the flexibility and functionality needed to meet your unique workforce management challenges.

Are you considering implementing Oracle’s Workforce Scheduling module in your organization? Alithya is an Oracle Partner and is an early adopter of Oracle Workforce Scheduling and can help with your implementation. Contact us today.

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