Healthcare professionals worldwide face a demanding and often inhumane work routine. In Portugal, Spain, and Brazil—three countries with robust but overburdened public healthcare systems—the challenges related to shift management are particularly evident and directly affect the well-being of healthcare professionals and, consequently, the quality of care provided to patients.
In all three countries, the routine of doctors, nurses and nursing technicians is marked by long shifts, often 24 hours, with rigid schedules that make it difficult to reconcile personal and professional life. Historical shortages of professionals exacerbate this scenario: while Portugal has 7.1 nurses per thousand inhabitants, and Spain only 6.57 (both below the European average of 8.3), Brazil, while registering around nine nurses per thousand inhabitants, faces an uneven distribution, with critical shortages in the North and Northeast regions.
This lack of staff results in work overload, increased risk of errors, burnout, absenteeism and high turnover, jeopardising the health of professionals and the efficiency of health systems. In Brazil, it is estimated that there is a significant annual loss of labour due to physical and emotional exhaustion. In Portugal and Spain, the ageing of the workforce and the emigration of nurses further exacerbate the problem.
Technology improves the autonomy of healthcare professionals
Faced with this scenario, technology has emerged as a key ally in modernising shift management and relieving pressure on professionals. Currently, many institutions still operate with manual methods, using Excel files or fixed schedules, which offer little flexibility and generate errors in payments, incorrect allocations, and miscommunication.
That said, Workforce Management (WFM) solutions automate repetitive tasks, allow dynamic scheduling, and offer professionals the possibility of viewing, changing, or adjusting shifts from their mobile devices. This autonomy and flexibility increase job satisfaction, make it easier to reconcile personal and professional life, and reduce stress.
Another special feature of WFM tools is that they can optimise shift allocation based on employee preferences and healthcare institutions’ real needs, thus guaranteeing the correct allocation of professionals without overloading teams.
Fairer shifts, better quality of life
By prioritising the working environment and work-life balance, these solutions contribute to talent retention, reduce absenteeism, and increase team motivation and productivity. More than an operational improvement, this is a cultural change that values the vocation of healthcare professionals and recognises their importance to the system’s functioning.
Investing in the modernisation of shift management has, therefore, become an essential strategy for reducing the shortage of professionals, restoring stability to the health system, and ensuring dignified care for the population. In Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and many other countries, the future of healthcare depends directly on valuing those who make it possible on a daily basis.
Find out more about SISQUAL® WFM and how it can transform healthcare organisations!
Book a demonstration here!
