In a recent survey conducted by health technology company Carta Healthcare, an alarming percentage of healthcare workers have identified nurse shortages and high care costs as significant threats to the industry. Released in honor of Certified Nurses Day, this survey sheds light on the growing concerns within the healthcare sector, particularly highlighting the challenges of personnel shortages that have been exasperated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey, which was conducted among 500 U.S. healthcare workers in February 2024, revealed that 63.1% of respondents view nurse shortages as a pressing issue. This sentiment is consistent with a previous consumer survey by Carta Healthcare in October 2022, where the lack of personnel was also flagged as a major concern alongside the escalating costs of care.

Healthcare professionals are not only worried about staffing levels but are also feeling the strain of being overstretched. Over half of the survey respondents reported burnout due to being short-staffed, with low pay and prolonged working hours further contributing to their distress. Moreover, many healthcare workers fear that the quality of care is declining due to these workforce challenges.

Interestingly, the survey also revealed a considerable openness among healthcare workers toward technological interventions as a solution to the industry’s woes. A striking 76.9% of respondents believe that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) could play a vital role in mitigating the impact of worker shortages. They envision AI enabling more efficient administration, thereby allowing healthcare professionals to dedicate more time to patient care rather than being bogged down by paperwork.

Despite the optimism surrounding technology, the survey highlights a discrepancy in the awareness and trust in AI between healthcare workers and consumers. While 86.1% of health professionals feel they understand how AI is being used within healthcare, only 57% of consumers share this sentiment. Additionally, trust issues surrounding AI persist, with just over one-third of healthcare workers and 38% of consumers expressing confidence in AI’s application in healthcare settings. This underscores the need for not only technological innovation but also for education and reassurance about these technologies’ roles and limitations in healthcare.

Amid these challenges, healthcare workers are also considering personal career impacts. The survey found that 37.1% of workers would opt for a different career path if given the choice again, citing low pay, long hours, and staffing issues among the top reasons for potential departure from their current roles.

In light of these findings, Carta Healthcare’s CEO Brent Dover emphasized the company’s commitment to improving patient outcomes through technology, aiming to alleviate some of the burdens on healthcare workers. Dover acknowledged the invaluable role of nurses and healthcare professionals and expressed hope that innovations in healthcare technology could enhance their ability to provide care.

The survey not only highlights the pressing issues faced by healthcare workers but also points to a potential pathway forward through technology. As the industry grapples with nurse shortages, high costs, and burnout, the insights from healthcare professionals themselves illuminate the importance of adopting and trusting in technological solutions to pave the way for a healthier future.