By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Managing the Mobile Workforce
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > eHealth > Mobile Health > Managing the Mobile Workforce
BusinessMobile Health

Managing the Mobile Workforce

thielst
thielst
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

Mobile Health (mHealth) also involves managing the mobile workforce, but I don’t often hear this administrative function being discussed.  In our efforts to increase access and the quality of healthcare and reduce costs we are moving beyond COWs (computers on wheels) and leveraging and adopting more mobile technologies, such as, tablets and smartphones.  So, lets see what kind of discussion this blog post will generate.

Mobile Health (mHealth) also involves managing the mobile workforce, but I don’t often hear this administrative function being discussed.  In our efforts to increase access and the quality of healthcare and reduce costs we are moving beyond COWs (computers on wheels) and leveraging and adopting more mobile technologies, such as, tablets and smartphones.  So, lets see what kind of discussion this blog post will generate.

A few months ago I read the book Managing the Mobile Workforce and appreciate the guidance on leading, building and sustaining virtual teams.  I was especially happy to see a couple of examples drawn from healthcare environments. One of these examples caught me a bit by surprise.  It involved looking at employees who spend most of their workday out of any office (or nursing station) and on the units attending to patients.  Or those in ancillary and support roles who move from department to department or drive between clinics or other sites throughout their workday. 

My first question is have we, as healthcare leaders, really thought about the new workforce paradigm and our ability to communicate with and supervise workers who are increasingly on the move during the day?

I do believe that effective healthcare leaders will begin to recognize the strategic value of more flexible work arrangements and this will include virtual and remote workers.  Telemedicine technologies are facilitating access to clinicians at a distance and remote coders and IT support are becoming more popular.  But, there are other functions that can easily be performed from a distance with today’s technology — at least a portion of the time.  Traditionally, hosptials and other providers have expanded their real estate to house these workers, rather than turning to “telecommuting” arrangements.  

More Read

Where the US Lags Italy in Healthcare
Cheap Generic Drugs from Emerging Markets Risky
More Diverse Organizations Perform Better
Juliette Kayyem, MA Gubernatorial Candidate, Speaks with the Health Business Blog
Northwest Hospital Earns Prestigious National Award for Stroke Care

My second question is are healthcare leaders beginning to recognize that mobility can actually increase productivity and will they follow other industries who are turning to remote and virtual workers to stay competitive?  If so, have they really thought through how to develop motivated and engaged virtual teams?

A new, more mobile workforce in healthcare will also require thought about the type of person needed to fill the job that needs to be accomplished.  And, it will require that supervisors learn strategies to train, support, motivate and manage the performance of teams that include both onsite and remote workers.

My third question is do healthcare supervisors and managers recognize the importance of trust and how to build it with workers across vast distances?

A final question focuses in on the technologies that are improving our ability to even consider the idea of expanding the remote and virtual workforce.

Do healthcare managers, especially high-level ones, know what the tools can do, and what their limitations are, so they can manage their teams more effectively?  

 

In December, I came across 5 considerations for hiring remote workers and I believe they are an ideal starting point for healthcare leaders who are beginning to reflect on mobility in their workforce.  These five considerations set the foundation for starting to create your organization’s strategy for managing a mobile workforce.

1. Create Common Goals

2. Set Individual Goals and Expectations

3. Develop Trust and Accountability

4. Overcome Isolation

5. Plan Regular Communications

TAGGED:mobile work force
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

dental care
Importance of Good Dental Care for Health and Confidence
Dental health Specialties
October 2, 2025
AI in Healthcare
AI in Healthcare: Technology is Transforming the Global Landscape
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
October 1, 2025
Choosing the Right Swimwear for Health and Safety
News
September 30, 2025
sports concussions
Concussion In Sports: How Common They Are And What You Need To Know
Infographics
September 28, 2025

You Might also Like

Would You See An iRobot Doc in the ER?

July 28, 2012

2012 – Year for mHealth?

January 5, 2012
Men vs. Women
Hospital AdministrationPolicy & Law

Does Decreased Length of Hospital Stay Equal Lower Cost?

April 10, 2013
BHM Healthcare Solutions
FinanceHospital AdministrationPublic HealthWellness

The Diagnosis That Could Have You Paying an Extra $40,000 Per Patient

April 10, 2014
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?