Human costs of aged care productivity: Innovation versus staffing and skills mix

Abstract

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2><h3>Problem</h3> There is ongoing debate regarding the impact of, and relationship between, technological innovation and staffing levels and skills mix in aged care. Some commentators suggest that mandating minimum staffing levels and skills mix will undermine the sector's ability to increase productivity via technological innovations. <h3>Aim</h3> This paper aims to stimulate scholarly debate regarding staffing levels, skills mix, and technological innovation in aged care. <h3>Methods</h3> As a discussion paper providing a scholarly and political critique of current policy issues affecting nurses and aged care, no reporting guideline has been followed. <h3>Findings</h3> Staffing and skills mix in aged care has risen as a prominent, divisive issue. Some commentators suggest that productivity is hampered by mandating minimum staffing levels and skills mix by interfering with the uptake of innovation and technology. While technological innovation has led to many opportunities for better outcomes, we argue that without at least enough of the right kind of staff in aged care, technology and innovation alone cannot be relied upon to facilitate the dignified, person-centred care that older people deserve. <h3>Discussion</h3> We argue that staffing levels and skills mix need not be opposed to the implementation of innovations in aged care and that a focus on productivity and efficiency risks dehumanising the sector even further. <h3>Conclusion</h3> By maximising labour potential in aged care, and enabling a sector that supports a suitably sized and skilled workforce to care for older people, we are supporting a workforce that is ready and able to leverage opportunities offered by innovations in ways that do not dehumanise our older people.