Sentinel Network seeks your data on health workforce trends

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Sentinel Network seeks your data on health workforce trends

The September data collection period is now open and the Network is seeking new Sentinels to participate. The Washington Health Workforce Sentinel Network collects information from volunteers in the health care industry, and provides rapid turnaround of information about trends affecting employers, educators, training institutions, and other key stakeholders involved in health workforce development and deployment.

Part of the Healthier Washington initiative, the Sentinel Network is a collaboration of the state’s Workforce Board and the University of Washington Center for Health Workforce Studies, with funding from the state Health Care Authority.

This opportunity to submit data from your organization is open now through the end of September. If you’ve provided data for past reports, please do so again in order to ensure the Sentinel Network is tracking workforce demand changes.

Users of Sentinel Network findings include the state Health Workforce Council, the leadership of Accountable Communities of Health, college deans and health program directors, among others.

Recent workforce trends

Detailed findings can be viewed on the Sentinel Network website. Trends to date include:

  • Registered nurses and medical assistants were among occupations with exceptionally long vacancies in all regions of Washington in spring 2017.
  • Rural employers reported difficulty recruiting multiple occupations.
  • More training in the use of electronic health records and health information technology, as well as customer service skills, is needed in many settings.
  • High turnover rates in behavioral/mental health facilities are increasing workforce demand.

All survey responses are kept confidential by combining it with other Sentinels' data from across the state.

Looking for more information?