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The Digitization of Healthcare Staffing – Welcome to the World of Medical Freelance

Healthcare staffing agencies have been around for many decades. From locum tenens to temporary nurse staffing agencies, the concept is not new. But what is noteworthy is current changes in the way healthcare staffing solutions are being provided. There has been a significant shift from temporary staffing solutions to those more permanent. And at the same time, opportunities for medical freelance professionals have increased significantly. All of these changes reflect the progressive digitization of healthcare staffing that’s evolving today.

Within the last decade, and particularly with the pandemic, the number of medical freelance platforms have increased substantially. This marketplace appears to be rapidly evolving, and numerous startups are jockeying for position. Some cater to specific types of health care staffing workers and businesses. Others differentiate themselves based on the services that they provide. In any case, these developments appeared to be a win-win for health care professionals and organizations alike. And this is one reason these types of platforms will continue to offer new health care staffing solutions ahead.

Permanent roles at health systems were taking months to fill, costing tens of thousands of dollars to hire, and leading to short-staffed facilities in the meantime.” – Parth Bhakta, Founder and CEO of Vivian Health

Modernizing Healthcare Staffing Solutions

With new technologies, opportunities to develop digital freelance platforms have increased. As a result, several industries have been revolutionized by these platforms. Uber and Lyft with their ridesharing platforms are obvious examples. But at the same time, many other sectors are embracing these digital solutions as well. Healthcare, on the other hand, has been slow to adopt the latest and greatest technologies. For example, telehealth and telemedicine have been around for nearly two decades. (Read about the recent innovations in telehealth and telemedicine in this Bold story.) But up until recently, these systems failed to attract widespread adoption among health care organizations. The same has been true for medical freelance platforms and modern healthcare staffing solutions.

Interestingly, the COVID pandemic has served as a catalyst for technological advances. (Wait, you mean the pandemic was actually good for innovations in healthcare?) Likewise, the increase in medical freelance platforms can also be attributed to these effects on the healthcare industry. Many organizations experienced sudden shortages of healthcare staffing that demanded new approaches. Not only did these organizations need healthcare professionals to fill temporary gaps. They also needed to replace providers and staff who became ill or burned out. Digital platforms were gaining traction in the healthcare sector for staffing prior to this. But since the pandemic, a rising number of healthcare organizations realized the benefits of these new healthcare staffing services.

“We continue to see unprecedented growth in jobs, clinicians and employers signing up to use the marketplace to supplement their existing procurement strategies.” – Kashif Aftab, Founder and CEO, Skillgigs

Top Medical Freelance Platforms Currently

As healthcare organizations have warmed up to the idea of medical freelance platforms, several startups have emerged. Some are more tenured than others. Likewise, several focus on niche areas in meeting specific needs of various health care entities. With this in mind, the following is a list of some of the top healthcare staffing platforms available today.

  • StaffDNA – This healthcare staffing agency has been around for some time. It was originally founded in 2014 and has become one of the largest medical freelance platforms available today. Initially, the company focused more on temporary placement of healthcare staff. Beginning in June of 2020, it shifted its focus to more permanent healthcare job placement. StaffDNA now enjoys over 20,000 downloads of its application platform each month. In addition, the company has expertise in regulatory compliance, recruiting, payroll management, and staff housing.
  • Bold Business – More than just a multi-vertical media platform, Bold Business offers a full range of human resources, recruiting and staffing solutions in the healthcare space. From call centers to strategy implementation to training to back-office support, Bold leverages industry experience with global diversity to help clients meet their staffing demands.
  • Mediflash – This French startup company is relatively new to the medical freelance platform sector. Its primary niche focus is on caregivers. Traditional healthcare staffing platforms typically hires health care workers directly. They then charge clients for these services once they place workers in temporary or permanent positions. Mediflash, however, simply provides a digital marketplace where caregivers can determine which jobs are most appealing. In the process, freelancers can earn up to 20% more revenue. At the same time, health care organizations do not have to pay as much for staffing services.
  • Skillgigs – This health care staffing solution also provides a digital marketplace for healthcare professionals. However, at the same time, it utilizes artificial intelligence to facilitate matching between professionals and opportunities. In the process, the medical freelance platform provides a more personalized approach to healthcare job placement. Over the course of the last year, Skillgigs has seen a 35% increase in site utilization. While the bulk of placements involves traveling nurses, the company manages placement of other health care professionals as well.

“In twelve months, we built the largest, fastest-growing app for healthcare careers. We are now expanding our capabilities to include permanent job placements, so even more healthcare professionals can experience the benefits of the new online digital platform business model.” – Sheldon Arora, CEO of StaffDNA

A bunch of people working in healthcare in some capacity
Healthcare staffing can be problematic, but it doesn’t have to be.

A Needed Addition to Healthcare Staffing

For those who are interested in medical freelance, there are a few downsides. In many of the current digital marketplaces, healthcare professionals are in complete control when selecting potential jobs. However, as freelancers, these individuals do not enjoy any benefits or opportunities for unemployment compensation. This may not appeal to many people and encourage them to pursue placement through traditional solutions. However, these opportunities are ideal for those seeking part-time work, retirees, and students. In this regard, modern healthcare staffing platforms offer a nice addition to existing strategies. And given the rising demand for healthcare staff, these platforms should continue to thrive.

 

Tap into Bold Business’ HR and Staffing Solutions for the Healthcare Space – Read More About It Here!

3D Printing, Artificial Intelligence and Orthodontics – The Cutting-Edge of Dental Innovations

Memories of having to go to the orthodontist generally brings back less-than-pleasant thoughts about the experience. In years past, those wishing to have their teeth realigned knew they were in for months to years of grueling adjustments and care. In addition to having a mouth full of wires and metal braces, every readjustment was certain to invoke a new round of discomfort. In addition, parents often dreaded orthodontics as much as teens given the cost. Routinely, the cost would be several thousands of dollars before all was finished.

More recently, however, newer dental innovations emerged that seemed to make things less painful and embarrassing. Clear, hard-plastic aligners hit the scene, which made things a bit more bearable. But despite these advances, costs remained high, limiting accessibility to those considering orthodontics. Though things had improved, straightening one’s teeth continued to be cumbersome. However, that may be about to change as even newer dental innovations hit the scene. Leveraging 3D printing, artificial intelligence and orthodontics, new product offerings threaten to disrupt the market yet again. (Read more about the impact 3D printing has had on manufacturing in this Bold story.)

“SoftSmile provides a foundational technology for making orthodontics affordable. We cut out the middleman, allowing doctors to design treatment plans, print aligners, and monitor patient treatment without outsourcing any step of the process.” – Khamzat Asabaev, CEO of SoftSmile

Introducing SoftSmile’s Dental Innovations

SoftSmile, a New York-based startup that launched in 2019, is poised to significant change the field of orthodontics. After extensive software development and consultation with more than 100 orthodontists, it has recently launched Vision. Vision is SoftSmile’s AI-powered treatment programs designed specifically for orthodontics. Leveraging machine learning, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence in orthodontics, Vision is revolutionary in its approach. In essence, the technology allows SoftSmile to eliminate much of the traditional supply chain in orthodontics. And as a result, costs as well as efficiency are much improved.

Using Vision, a patient’s mouth and teeth are analyzed from a variety of angles. Likewise, root depth, tooth width, and other data are collected in an effort to design the precise orthodontics needed. Using propriety algorithms that have over 50 patents, the software calculates the direction and applied forces needed. It then creates the exact aligners required, and it provides the necessary information for in-office 3D printing. Using SoftSmile, orthodontists can literally produce personalized aligners for any patient within hours right in their office.

Clearly, these are dental innovations that could rock the world of orthodontics. Traditional aligners must be produced remotely at distant facilities, and often, many must be revised after the first production. Also, even clear aligners routinely require the input from multiple professionals throughout the course of time. All of this adds to the cost, which prevents many individuals from considering orthodontics. But with SoftSmile’s dental innovations, these production inefficiencies and extra costs are eliminated. The entire process is faster, cheaper, and more accessible to all as a result.

“I was very impressed when I first started using the SoftSmile technology in my practice…The learning curve for this technology was fairly minimal and the software was completely customizable, allowing me to remain in control and produce a successful result for my patients.” – Roberto Stradi, DDS MSc, Caserta, Italy

Decentralizing the Orthodontics Market

For several years, the market for orthodontics has been dominated by Invisalign. Its dental innovations involving clear aligners that could be more easily adjusted revolutionized the market. But since that time, little has changed until now. And because Invisalign requires their aligners to be produced remotely at a manufacturing facility, costs and delays remain substantial. In fact, most individuals pay over $5,000 for orthodontics using Invisalign techniques. This centralized type of approach has done little to increase access to orthodontics to all. And it continues to cause delays in accurately customizing aligners to patient needs.

A dental technician looking at some teeth
Thanks to the application of artificial intelligence and orthodontics, your next trip to the dentist may not be so daunting.

SoftSmile, on the other hand, is well positioned to disrupt the existing system with its dental innovations. Because the Vision software can determine the exact aligners needed on its own, there is no need to involve multiple professionals. Likewise, because the aligners can be printed on-site, production is not only accurate but also timely. Most dentists and orthodontists today already have 3D printers in their office. They have already become familiar with this technology when creating dental molds and models. Thus, SoftSmile completely decentralizes the orthodontics process, moving it from remote sites to the orthodontist office.

This decentralization process is important because it creates a completely new competitive structure. Instead of Invisalign having to compete with directly with SoftSmile, it actually must compete with every existing orthodontist. If each professional adopts SoftSmile’s software and owns a 3D printer, their office essentially becomes a true competitor to Invisalign. Because these dental innovations are less expensive and more efficient, it makes it difficult for Invisalign to compete. This is why many orthodontists see these dental innovations as a game-changer. In fact, because SoftSmile’s Vision software uses machine learning, even dentists may eventually be able to use this technology.

“The more data we receive and the more feedback from users, the more accurate it is, so it’s continuously learning.” – Damian Gerikhanov, Chief Engineer, SoftSmile

The Potential for a Global Impact

 The overall global market for orthodontics is roughly $945 billion, which is astounding. But these figures are based on the existing limited access as well as current cost structures of the industry. With these new dental innovations, SoftSmile’s impact on the industry could have far-reaching effects. From one perspective, it could reduce global costs for these products. But at the same time, it will likely boost volume demand, perhaps over-compensating for a drop in prices. Regardless, SoftSmile’s dental innovations using AI and 3D bioprinting reflect dramatic market disruptions that can occur with new technologies. Before the decade is over, it’s quite probable its approach to orthodontics will become the norm.

 

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The Next Target for Gene-Editing Innovation: Cows Making Lactose-Free Milk

Technological innovations in gene editing have rapidly progressed in recent years. Since the introduction of CRISPR Cas-9 methods, opportunities to explore new research areas have increased significantly. (Dig deeper into the advances in CRISPR gene editing in this Bold story.) This has included cloning technologies that utilize gene alterations to create enhanced results. This has involved gene cloning to introduce specific genetic enhancements in plants. It has also involved reproductive cloning where entire animal clones are produced with new abilities.

Understanding this, scientists are now beginning to accelerate discoveries using cloning technologies for lifestyle improvements. Many of these pursuits are examining how reproductive cloning can address agricultural needs of a growing global population. Others are also trying to develop animal clones that offer safer and more nutritious products through gene editing techniques. Most recently, scientists in Russia have successful cloned a cow that produces lactose-free milk. Such developments highlight the potential impact that cloning technology offers.

“The development of life sciences takes a significant amount of time, and it is not like other industries where things can be accomplished very quickly…The world has entered the cell therapy era, and cell therapy will become the new pillar of medical treatment in the future.” – Xiaochun Xu, Chief Executive Officer of Boyalife

Cloning Technology and Lactose-Free Cows

Over the last year, Moscow’s Skoltech Institute of Science and Technology successfully cloned a calf that produces lactose-free milk. In collaboration with Moscow State University, scientists used gene editing techniques to alter 2 specific genes. These genes were responsible for making the protein Beta-Lactoglobulin, which triggers lactose intolerance in many individuals. In fact, roughly 70 percent of the population suffers from some degree of lactose intolerance. Understanding this, the researchers hoped to create a new cow species capable of producing lactose-free milk. Using cloning technology and gene editing methods, they were successful in their pursuits.

The scientists started by altering these specific genes within  bovine fibroblast cells. The nucleus of these cells, which contained the new edited DNA, was then placed within bovine egg cells. Researchers then implanted these altered cells into the uterus of 31 different cows. Of these, one was able to give birth to a healthy, non-lactose-producing calf. And that calf is now 14 months old and doing quite well. If these results can now be replicated using the same cloning technology, then the potential impact could be significant. Of course, these gene editing and cloning procedures aren’t cheap, especially when successful yields are so low. In order to scale these new breeds of cows, methods will have to improve substantially.

“While genetically modified mice are a fairly common phenomenon, modifying other species is exponentially harder, due to higher costs and difficulties in breeding and husbandry.” – Petr Sergiev, Professor at Skoltech Institute

Other Bovine Genetic-Engineering Technology Pursuits

The cloning technology used in bovine research in Russia is being used for other purposes as well. Several research labs are exploring gene editing and cloning procedures to improve beef products. Some are exploring lab-grown meats in an effort to make Wagyu steaks as well as ground beef. (Are lab-grown meats a betrayal to meat lovers? Check out this Bold opinion story.) Others are using cloning technology in hopes of developing enhanced breeds of cows for higher quality beef products. Boyalife Genomics is one such company actively involved in these pursuits. Though the progress is slow, they expect to revamp the beef industry over time. Through gene editing, a number of advantages in beef production can be enjoyed.

Other scientists are using cloning technology to not only improve beef production but also bovine wellness. At the Ruakura Research Center in New Zealand, researchers have used gene editing to change cows’ skin colors. Instead of having black patches, they can alter genes that make these patches gray. Why is this beneficial? Because black absorbs more heat, which can cause cattle to be less fertile and productive. This is especially true as temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is achieved by eliminating a single pre-melanosome protein in the cattle’s DNA. Not only does this allow higher yields, but the cloning technology also reduces the heat stress in the cattle.

“Projected onto a global scale, even modest improvements of eco-productivity from color-diluted cattle would translate into substantial environmental benefits.” – Goetz Liable, Ruakura Research Center in Hamilton, New Zealand

The Expansion of Genetic-Engineering Technology in Animals

The original animal clone was created about 25 years ago when cloning technology successfully created Dolly the sheep. Since then, however, a number of different animals have been cloned for various reasons. Notably, cows have received a great deal of attention, with gene editing offering potential for enhanced super foods. But other uses of cloning technology involve the preservation of endangered species and the availability of special animals. Of course, this is a much more expensive endeavor compared to species preservation and training efforts. But for the most part, these pursuits have merit and valued intentions.

A person holding up a glass of milk, mocking some cows
Thanks to advances in genetic-engineering technology, you can drink lactose-free milk straight from the cow.

In terms of endangered animals, two specific uses of cloning technology involve the black-footed ferret and the Przewalski’s horse. Both were near extinction when preserved DNA from frozen samples allowed clones of the species to be created. Not only did these efforts allow greater numbers of these animals to exist. They also help increase genetic diversities within the species, increasing future survivability. In regards to animals with special talents, cloning technology is also producing drug-detecting canines. Unlike trained dogs, which have a 50% failure rate in the field, cloned dogs have over an 80% success rate.

The Ethics of Gene Editing in Animals

Whenever discussions about gene editing and cloning takes place, ethical concerns are soon to follow. It is important to recognize that animal cloning technology cannot be successfully used for humans. Our cellular structure is such that the same processes using in animal cloning cannot be used. However, the bigger ethical issue regarding gene editing and cloning in animals involves cost. Cloning technology is expensive, and the yield of current methods is far from satisfactory. Thus, ethics would not encourage using precious resources for these methods on a larger scale currently. But with continued scientific improvements, this may potentially change, inviting a variety of new possibilities for the future.

 

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