Survey reveals biggest threat to health care delivery system 

The single biggest threat to the health care delivery system in New York is the ability to attract and retain staff, according to a new report by Common Ground Health.   

Workforce shortages exist across the full spectrum of health care workers, including nurses, public health staff and community-based nonprofit employees.  

The long-term care sector is most affected by workforce shortages, with almost 4,000 openings and a 71 percent turnover rate for home health aides and personal care aides, according to the report.  

“New York state’s health care system is in critical condition due to workforce shortages,” said Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health. “While the health care system continues to evolve – such as the shift to electronic health records, telehealth and team-based care – investments and staff training methods must evolve as well to build the workforce needed for the 21st century.” 

The report – entitled Critical Condition: Sustainable Investments Required to Build a Skilled, Supported and Equitable Health Care Workforce – showed that that while New York state has experienced health care system workforce shortages for many years, these shortages were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The report outlined a series of actions needed to address the threat of workforce shortages. 

They are improving training, overcoming barriers to existing training, diversifying the workforce and a more consistent approach to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism training.  

Respondents also identified interest in learning more about working with Deaf and hard of hearing populations and those with disabilities, as well as rural cultural competency, health literacy, trauma-informed care, social determinants of health and health equity. 

Common Ground Health disseminated the survey in November 2020 to more than 300 health care organizations across 27 counties, in collaboration with Finger Lakes Performing Provider System, the Central New York Area Health Education Center and the Western New York Rural AHEC.  

Since survey responses were received prior to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, they do not include an assessment of vaccine mandates’ impact on the workforce. The survey had a response rate of 40 percent.  

The Regional Consortium on Health Care Workforce, co-convened by Common Ground and FLPPS, guided the report’s focus and recommendations. The consortium is addressing a wide range of issues, such as recruitment, retention, essential skills and competencies and reducing shortages for key health care positions.  

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