The impact of manpower shortage in the healthcare industry

The job of the healthcare workers is considered as one of the noblest jobs and is critical in the health industry. They are in demand globally and are always needed wherever they go. Unfortunately, because of some factors like the increase in the aging population, the aging work force, burnouts and among others, their number continue to decline resulting to the current problem in the industry which is the shortage of manpower. The aim of this thesis was to know the impact of the continuing deficiency of health workers and how did it affect the patient care and patient safety. The purpose of this thesis was to have a better understanding and knowledge on the shortage of healthcare workers and what is being done by the authorities to address the problem. A portfolio method was used for this thesis wherein data were gathered as well as observations and critical reflections from different clinical placements were compiled in a learning diary. The results of this thesis show how the shortage of the health workers affect the patients’ safety and care and the healthcare workers’ physical and mental health. Likewise, job satisfaction is low and burn outs are high leading to resignation and seeking a less stressful and better paying jobs. Therefore, to prevent this trend to continue and avert a severe crisis in the healthcare industry, policy makers and healthcare care authorities should attentively listen and take serious actions on their workers grievances to solve this problem