8 Healthcare HR Forecasts Reviewed for Accuracy

John Commins, for HealthLeaders Media, December 27, 2010

Prediction 4: "Coming soon to a hospital near you: Unions.
Verdict: Spot On!

Labor unions are rolling healthcare. The 35th Semi Annual Labor Activity in Healthcare Report—conducted by IRI Consultants for the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration—found union win rates in healthcare representation elections have held above 70% for five straight years. Even more impressive, in the first six months of 2010 the Service Employees International Union won 91% of its representation elections, and the newly formed National Nurses United won 100% of its elections. If a union targets your hospital for organization, odds are it's already too late for you to do much about it. 

Prediction 5:"Mandatory staffing ratios."
Verdict: Stay tuned!

Nurses unions are making staffing ratios a huge priority and they have a compelling argument that resonates with the public, although the movement has not gained as much traction in the last 12 months as I would have anticipated. However, I do believe it will pick up steam as the super union National Nurses United gains members and clout. Even if mandatory staffing ratios are not necessarily implemented widely, the mere threat of demanding mandatory staffing ratios will remain a powerful bargaining chip for nurse organizers.  

Prediction 6: "Cracking down on patient confidentiality."
The Verdict: Correct!

Patient confidentiality is not a fad . It is here to stay. Get used to it. The federal government has invested tens of billions of dollars in healthcare information technology, and it desperately wants patients to trust that their personal information will remain confidential in the age of electronic medical records. Woe betides any provider that violates that trust.