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When it comes to scheduling emergency department shifts, it’s arguably the most challenging medical specialty to get right. As the ER must be staffed 24/7 by physicians, it’s imperative to strike a balance. Clinician burnout is something that’s crucial to be aware of. Additionally, you need to address other aspects like:
- Staff shortages
- Overcrowding
- Patient flow fluctuations
- Physician preferences, and more
To take the struggle out of the task that is ER scheduling, emergency medicine scheduling software is being increasingly used. This helps you to accurately, sensitively and rapidly create a fair and balanced schedule.
Here, we look at the 10 best features of physician scheduling software.
For the schedule administrator:
1) Up-to-date live online and mobile schedules. Every staff member can check their schedule with ease via any device that connects to the internet. Additionally, they can easily keep track of any changes to their hours.
2) Full control over schedules through advanced features. As the schedule administrator, you have complete control of all aspects of physician scheduling. You can use advanced features to make any changes with ease.
3) Payroll reports with multiple pay structures. You can create payroll reports whenever you need them. You don’t have to spend hours constantly inputting pay structure details either as this is all kept track of via the software.
4) Ability to change shifts on a slow day to match a busy day. It’s simple to balance out shift hours when you use software. This rids you of the problem of over and understaffing, saving you valuable resources that can be redirected elsewhere.
5) Recording of shift preferences. Recording of shift preferences is stress free when you utilize scheduling software. It’s simple to keep track of providers who’ve asked for certain shifts off, those who wish not to work certain days and so on.
For the provider:
6) Entering your shift requests. When your department uses scheduling software, you can enter your requests for vacation, shifts and time on and off from your own laptop or mobile device. This cuts out annoying paperwork and ensures your requests are dealt with quickly.
7) Swapping shifts. Using software, you can swap over shifts with your peers as well as work split shifts with others on your same medical level. This affords you greater freedom within your place of work. Consequently, you can enjoy a better work-life balance.
8) Having 24/7 access. You have access to your personalized schedule at any time of the day or night wherever you are. No more having to call up and ask what hours you’re working as you can check these well in advance.
9) Managing your time. You can manage your availability, requests and confirm shifts via the online tool.
10) Using a mobile app. If your entire life is in your mobile, or even if it's not, you’ll appreciate having access to mobile apps to view your schedule and to enter requests.
Shift scheduling software works for everyone involved. If your department is still using paper, it could be time to make the change.
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