Staff Shortages Continue to Affect ASCs in the New Year

The worry about staff shortages in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) environment did not dissipate as 2022 closed and OR leaders looked back at the past three turbulent years. While staffing has always been a challenge in the decades that ASC evolved, the pandemic ushered in many more concerns. Nurses and physicians struggled with caseloads as retiring team members opted out of the workforce. The “great resignation” impacted healthcare more than any other industry. 

Burnout became a factor as well and staff shortages became common as wages, too, were impacted. Operational costs rose, capital improvements were placed on hold, and economic conditions continued to hamper smooth sailing for ASCs in 2022. 

According to VMG Health’s Multi-Specialty ASC Benchmarking Study, ASCs spend about 21.3% of net revenue on employee salaries and wages. Looking ahead, experts agree that staff shortages will continue to challenge these fixed costs and, ultimately, profits as hospitals and health systems vie for the same talent that ASCs require.

Recruitment and retention will be the watchwords of OR administrators and owners who are looking for positive results in the new year. Outpatient Surgery Magazine reported on best strategies to find and keep top talent here. OSM