Exploring the Intersection of Administrative Burden and Health Professional Well-Being

In today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving health care landscape, palliative care teams face significant and growing workforce challenges. A shortage of trained and certified specialists, coupled with limited resources to expand and sustain teams, has created an urgent need for programs to adopt innovative strategies to not only recruit the right talent but, perhaps even more critically, to retain the skilled professionals already on board. These challenges are compounded by the unique demands of palliative care, which can lead to high levels of stress, burnout, and turnover among team members if not adequately addressed. The implications of these workforce issues extend beyond staffing—they directly impact team morale, health, and overall well-being, as well as the quality of care delivered to patients and families.

This session will delve into the complex interplay between recruitment and retention in palliative care teams, offering a nuanced analysis informed by the latest data. Presenters will highlight how recruitment and retention strategies often need to be tailored to specific disciplines and roles within the interprofessional team, as a one-size-fits-all approach may fail to meet the diverse needs of team members. Attendees will learn about evidence-based practices and emerging trends that are shaping workforce solutions, including approaches to fostering a supportive and sustainable work environment.

Participants will leave the session equipped with actionable strategies to address these pressing issues, including methods for enhancing team engagement, promoting professional growth, and building a culture that prioritizes well-being and resilience. The goal of this session is to empower leaders and team members to strengthen their palliative care workforce, ensuring that programs are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for high-quality, compassionate care in the years to come.