Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

James Brown

Abstract

In many behavioral health care organizations, adequate staffing represents a key challenge that can compromise the workforce and cause detrimental outcomes for patients. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how inadequate staffing shapes the environment of one behavioral health care organization. A case study design was used, with the Baldrige Excellence Framework serving as the conceptual guide to understand how the organization's leadership performed and addressed important organizational challenges. The participant, a leader in the organization who oversaw program services, operations, policies, and procedures, answered interview questions about inadequate staffing and its impact on patient care and outcomes. Semistructured, in-person and email interviews were conducted with the participating leader. Organizational data, including the organization’s webpage, meeting minutes, financial reports, and relevant archival documents, were also analyzed. Four themes were identified: staffing, numbers, patient care, and employees' well-being. The results of the study indicated a need to identify strategies to secure resources to address staffing ratios and expectations. Recommendations also include identification of strategies to retain and foster an adequate workforce. The study may contribute to positive social change by raising awareness of staffing issues in behavioral health care organizations and the need for strategies to address them; implementation of these strategies may bolster employee retention and improve patient care.

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