30 Best Medical Staff Scheduling Software Of 2024
10 Best Medical Staff Scheduling Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 30 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
As a medical tech aficionado, I understand the hectic nature of healthcare scheduling and its impact on your work-life balance, patient care, and overall productivity. The right software can transform this daily juggling act into a streamlined process. Enter medical staff scheduling software - an innovative solution designed to automate, optimize, and simplify staff scheduling tasks in a healthcare setting.
With these tools, you'll experience benefits like improved efficiency, reduced scheduling errors, slash labor costs, and better resource management. They help tackle critical pain points such as miscommunication, double bookings, staff shortages, and administrative burdens. Remember, a well-rested healthcare team results in happier patients, and these software solutions can pave the way. So, without further ado, let's explore the options together and find the one that fits your needs the best. Trust me, you won't look back!
What Is Medical Staff Scheduling Software?
Medical staff scheduling software is an innovative technological solution specifically designed to streamline the process of scheduling healthcare professionals. Used primarily by hospital administrators, nursing managers, caregiver managers, and medical office managers, this software serves to assign shifts, manage time-off requests, track staff availability, and ensure optimal staffing levels.
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Whether it's a large hospital, small clinic, or home healthcare agency, these software tools help ensure that there is always a balanced distribution of medical staff on duty, facilitating better patient care, improving operational efficiency, and reducing administrative workloads.
Best Medical Staff Scheduling Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| When I Work | From $2/user/month | Website |
| Softworks | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Shiftboard | From $45/user/month | Website |
| Findmyshift | From $1.75/user/month | Website |
| StaffReady | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Petal Health | From $40/user/month | Website |
| Thryv | From $15/user/month | Website |
| OnShift | Pricing upon request | Website |
| TheraNest | From $38/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| 5280 Clinic | From $5/employee/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Medical Staff Scheduling Software Reviews
Best for simplifying shift management across multiple locations
When I Work is a user-friendly web-based scheduling software designed to simplify shift management. It excels particularly in environments where shifts span across multiple locations, such as in large healthcare facilities or chains.
Why I Picked When I Work:
I chose When I Work for its ease-of-use and robust functionality, particularly for businesses operating in multiple locations. Its ability to streamline shift management across diverse locations sets it apart. This is the rationale behind its standing as the best for simplifying shift management across multiple locations.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Key features include easy shift swaps, open shift management, team messaging, and advanced reporting. When I Work also integrates with popular payroll providers, which simplifies payroll processing and management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers a free plan for small teams
- Robust functionality for managing shifts across multiple locations
- Affordable pricing structure
Cons:
- Some features, like payroll integrations, may require additional setup
- Might be overkill for single-location businesses
- Advanced features require a paid plan
Best for time and attendance tracking in healthcare facilities
Softworks provides a workforce management solution, specializing in time and attendance tracking. It's particularly applicable in healthcare facilities, where accurate time tracking is crucial for operational efficiency and compliance purposes.
Why I Picked Softworks:
I chose Softworks for its robust time and attendance tracking features. Compared to others, it offers a high degree of customization and detailed reporting that makes it different. Considering the unique demands of healthcare facilities, such as shift rotations and overtime management, Softworks is best suited for this scenario.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Key features of Softworks include comprehensive time and attendance tracking, absence management, and a self-service portal. The system can also integrate with various payroll systems, HR systems, and access control systems, making it adaptable to various healthcare facility setups.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Multiple integrations with payroll, HR, and access control systems
- High degree of customization and detailed reporting
- Comprehensive time and attendance tracking
Cons:
- Setup might be complex for small healthcare facilities
- Pricing information not transparent
- No free plan available
Shiftboard is a comprehensive workforce management tool that focuses on optimizing operations for large-scale healthcare organizations. It provides an efficient way to manage shifts, track employee work hours, and ensure that staffing needs are always met.
Why I Picked Shiftboard:
I chose Shiftboard for its robust feature set and specific tailoring towards large-scale healthcare organizations. Its commitment to workforce optimization and efficient shift management, even in complex environments, really stood out to me. That's why it's the tool I determined to be best for large-scale healthcare organizations needing workforce optimization.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Shiftboard shines with its workforce optimization features such as shift swapping, overtime control, and advanced scheduling. It also integrates with major HR and payroll systems, supporting a more streamlined workflow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored for large-scale healthcare organizations
- Integrates with major HR and payroll systems
- Comprehensive workforce optimization features
Cons:
- May be too complex for smaller organizations or those with simpler needs
- Does not offer a free tier
- Higher starting price than some competitors
Findmyshift is a dedicated shift scheduling platform, with a particular emphasis on simplicity and affordability. The software is known for its cost-effectiveness and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for hospital environments where managing staff rotations can be complex and cost-sensitive.
Why I Picked Findmyshift:
I selected Findmyshift for this list because of its focus on providing an affordable solution for shift scheduling. This tool is different in that it maintains a simple, straightforward user interface while offering competitive pricing, which is particularly important for hospitals operating on tight budgets. Based on this, I determined that Findmyshift is best for cost-effective shift planning in hospitals.
What Do You Get for Free?
Findmyshift offers a free trial that allows users to experience the platform before committing to a paid plan. However, this free trial has limitations, including a limited number of shifts that can be scheduled.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Findmyshift's most notable features include its drag-and-drop schedule interface, automatic shift reminders, and time-off request management. In terms of integrations, Findmyshift can sync with calendar apps like Google Calendar, Outlook, and iCal, which can be useful for keeping track of shifts outside of the platform.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Ability to sync with popular calendar apps
- User-friendly scheduling interface
- Affordable and straightforward pricing model
Cons:
- Some users may find the interface overly simplistic
- Lacks some advanced features found in more expensive platforms
- Limited functionality in the free trial
StaffReady is a robust staff scheduling tool specifically designed for the complex healthcare environment. Its powerful features streamline not only staff scheduling but also competency assessment, a crucial element in maintaining compliance in the medical field.
Why I Picked StaffReady:
After extensive comparison and judgment, I picked StaffReady for its seamless integration of staff scheduling and competency assessments, a unique offering that sets it apart. It excels in automating these often tedious tasks, ensuring a streamlined workflow and optimal compliance. StaffReady truly stands out as the best for organizations that prioritize competency assessments as a part of their scheduling and staff management, allowing managers to have all necessary information in one place.
Standout Features and Integrations:
StaffReady offers a suite of features including automated staff scheduling, competency assessment, document control, and quality retention. Its real-time dashboard provides an at-a-glance view of staffing levels, competency status, and other key metrics. The tool also integrates seamlessly with major HR systems, allowing for streamlined data sharing and improved workflow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with major HR systems
- Includes competency assessments for improved compliance
- Specializes in healthcare staffing needs
Cons:
- The interface may have a steep learning curve for some users
- Pricing is not transparent, provided upon request
- No free trial or plan available
Petal Health provides a robust web-based platform for managing physician schedules. It's tailored to meet the complexities of multi-specialty clinics, where coordinating physician schedules can be a significant challenge.
Why I Picked Petal Health:
I picked Petal Health because of its focus on solving the unique scheduling challenges faced by multi-specialty clinics. Unlike generic scheduling tools, Petal Health has specialized features for managing physician availability, vacation, and rotations, making it stand out from others.
Its powerful algorithm can handle the complexities of physician scheduling in such a diverse clinical setting, making it the best tool for this purpose.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Petal Health's platform is packed with specialized features like automated schedule generation, vacation management, on-call scheduling, and shift trade. It also offers integrations with many leading electronic health records (EHR) systems, ensuring a seamless flow of information across different platforms in a healthcare setting.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated schedule generation reduces administrative burden
- Integration with leading EHR systems
- Specialized features for physician scheduling
Cons:
- Potential steep learning curve for staff not familiar with digital scheduling solutions
- Pricing details are not transparent
- No free plan available
Thryv
Best for wellness businesses seeking an all-in-one management solution
Thryv is a comprehensive management software tailored for wellness businesses. It offers a holistic approach to management, providing features for staff scheduling, marketing, invoicing, and client communication, among others.
Why I Picked Thryv:
In my assessment, I selected Thryv due to its comprehensive feature set that fits the multifaceted needs of wellness businesses. Its all-in-one template, which integrates everything from scheduling to invoicing, makes it a standout choice. This comprehensive approach is why I believe Thryv is the best for wellness businesses that require more than just a staff scheduling solution.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Thryv's standout features include automated appointment scheduling, reminders, and client communication tools, along with features for CRM, invoicing, and marketing. It also integrates with a number of popular platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Google, QuickBooks, and more, facilitating seamless data sharing across different aspects of your business.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable based on business needs
- Seamless integration with popular platforms
- All-in-one management solution
Cons:
- Might be too complex for businesses seeking a simple scheduling solution
- Pricing information is not readily available
- No free plan or trial available
OnShift is a cloud-based workforce management system specifically designed for healthcare facilities. It combines employee scheduling, recruiting, and engagement tools, along with predictive analytics, to reduce staff turnover.
Why I Picked OnShift:
I selected OnShift primarily for its use of predictive analytics to help reduce staff turnover. This unique approach to workforce management caught my attention and distinguished it from other tools. Its focus on tackling a pressing issue in healthcare - staff turnover - solidified its position as the best tool for this specific challenge.
Standout Features and Integrations:
OnShift is equipped with several key features such as applicant tracking, employee engagement tracking, and predictive analytics. It integrates seamlessly with major HRIS systems to help maintain a single source of truth for workforce data.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with major HRIS systems
- Comprehensive suite of tools from scheduling to recruiting
- Unique focus on reducing staff turnover with predictive analytics
Cons:
- May be more complex than some organizations require
- Pricing isn’t transparently available
- Does not offer a free tier
Best for mental health providers with integrated practice management features
TheraNest is a comprehensive practice management software that includes robust scheduling capabilities. It's designed to cater to mental health providers, providing an integrated platform for managing appointments, clinical documentation, billing, and more.
Why I Picked TheraNest:
I chose TheraNest because of its unique positioning for mental health providers. In addition to scheduling system, its integrated features like billing and clinical documentation make it a comprehensive tool for running a mental health practice. This integration, combined with its tailored focus on mental health providers, convinced me that TheraNest is the best for this specific sector of healthcare.
Standout Features and Integrations:
TheraNest shines with its integrated features, which include appointment reminders, secure messaging, and client portal access. It also offers electronic health records (EHR) capabilities, revenue cycle management, and billing tools. Integration with major calendar systems like Google Calendar and iCal keeps your scheduling and timesheet in sync.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with popular calendar systems
- Comprehensive practice management features
- Tailored for mental health providers
Cons:
- Customization options could be limited for some users
- Might have more features than needed for solely scheduling purposes
- Can be expensive for small medical practices
5280 Clinic is an advanced scheduling software specifically designed for medical clinics, leveraging OpenAI's ChatGPT technology to streamline shift management.
Why I Picked 5280 Clinic:
I chose 5280 Clinic for its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. This intuitive design allows healthcare providers to easily create and adjust schedules without the need for extensive training. The software supports various scheduling options, including weekly, pattern, and individual shift scheduling, which provides flexibility to accommodate different staffing needs. Additionally, 5280 Clinic's provider pairing calendar allows clinics to easily view and manage which providers are paired with medical assistants side by side, ensuring optimal staff coverage and efficient scheduling.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Key features include multiple calendar views, time off management, shift swap requests, a functional dashboard to manage data and track key performance indicators, and extensive training resources for learning the platform. As for integrations, 5280 Clinic doesn't list its offerings on the website and may require direct inquiry.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Time-off and shift swap features
- Ability to view schedules using multiple views
- Drag-and-drop scheduling interface
Cons:
- Could offer more robust features like time tracking
- Despite extensive training materials, the platform may still come with a small learning curve
Other Medical Staff Scheduling Software
Below is a list of additional medical staff scheduling software that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- QGenda
For nurse scheduling with robust reporting capabilities
- Roosted
For automating healthcare staff scheduling tasks
- Connecteam
For improving team communication in healthcare settings
- Pabau
Good for combining patient management with staff scheduling in clinics
- Deputy
Good for scheduling shifts for healthcare workers
- SimplyBook.me
Good for offering online bookings to patients
- Casetabs
Good for coordinating surgical case scheduling in real-time
- AMN Healthcare
Good for managing workforce of large healthcare institutions
- DaySmart Appointments
Good for managing healthcare appointments on the go
- 10to8
Good for reducing no-shows with automated appointment reminders
- Odoo
Good for integrating staff scheduling with other business functions
- EMR Bear
Good for combining patient scheduling with electronic medical record keeping
- ShiftWise
Good for large-scale staffing in healthcare organizations
- Clin1Scheduling
Good for mobile-friendly medical staff scheduling
- BookJane
Good for flexible shift filling in healthcare organizations
- ShiftWizard
Good for streamlining healthcare staff scheduling with cost control
- Aladdin.me
Good for tracking and scheduling healthcare assets
- Symplr Workforce
Good for comprehensive healthcare workforce management
- TherapyNotes
Good for integrated note-taking and scheduling for therapists
- Inovalon
Good for combining workforce management with healthcare data analytics
Selection Criteria For Medical Staff Scheduling Software
Choosing the right medical staff scheduling software is a crucial task. Through rigorous testing and research, I have evaluated over twenty tools, focusing on specific functionalities that are critical in healthcare staff management. I'll detail those key criteria below.
Core Functionality
- Staff Scheduling: The software must allow for easy creation and modification of staff schedules.
- Role-Based Access: The tool should allow for role-based access to ensure that employees only access relevant information.
- Compliance Monitoring: It should aid in tracking work hours and ensure adherence to labor laws and healthcare regulations (HIPAA).
- Shift Swapping: A built-in system for staff to swap shifts, subject to approval.
Key Features
- Automated Scheduling: The tool generates optimal schedules automatically based on specified constraints such as staff availability, skills, and labor laws.
- Mobile Access: A mobile app or mobile-friendly interface (Android/iOs) is crucial for staff to check their work schedules on the go.
- Notifications and Alerts: The tool should provide real-time notifications about scheduled last-minute changes or upcoming shifts.
- Reporting and Analytics: The software should provide insights into staff utilization, shift patterns, and potential issues.
Usability
- Intuitive Interface: Given the time-sensitive nature of healthcare work, the tool should have a clear, intuitive interface that makes scheduling tasks quick and easy.
- Easy Onboarding: The software should be straightforward to learn and use, minimizing disruption during the transition.
- Drag-and-Drop Scheduling: The tool should allow administrators to make schedule changes easily, such as through a drag-and-drop calendar interface.
- Customer Support: Quick, responsive customer support is essential to address any issues promptly, ensuring the smooth operation of scheduling processes.
- Training Resources: The tool should provide comprehensive resources for training and onboarding users, especially for more complex software solutions.
Most Common Questions Regarding Medical Staff Scheduling Software (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using medical staff scheduling software?
Utilizing medical staff scheduling software offers numerous benefits:
- Improved Efficiency: These tools can automate the scheduling process, eliminating the need for manual, spreadsheets and paper-based systems, thus saving time and reducing errors.
- Increased Staff Satisfaction: With transparent and fair scheduling, employees can better manage their personal time, leading to increased job satisfaction.
- Compliance Management: Such software ensures adherence to labor laws and healthcare regulations, mitigating risk and enhancing patient safety.
- Better Resource Utilization: These tools allow for optimal allocation of staff, minimizing overtime costs and reducing under or overstaffing.
- Enhanced Communication: Many tools include built-in communication features, ensuring staff are notified promptly about schedule changes.
How much does medical staff scheduling software cost?
The pricing of medical staff scheduling software can vary significantly depending on the features, the number of users, and the specific needs of the healthcare facility. Some tools offer pricing per user, while others may have a flat monthly or annual fee.
What are the typical pricing models for medical staff scheduling software?
The most common pricing models are per-user-per-month, where each staff member using the software constitutes a user, and flat rate, which is a fixed price irrespective of the number of users. Some tools may also offer volume discounts for larger organizations or long-term contracts.
What is the typical range of pricing for these tools?
The price for medical staff scheduling software generally starts around $10 per user per month and can go up to $100 per user per month or more for premium features and larger organizations.
Which are the cheapest and most expensive medical staff scheduling software?
The cheapest software like Deputy starts at around $2.50 per user per month, while more premium options like AMN Healthcare can reach upwards of $100 per user per month, depending on the specific features and services offered.
Are there any free options for medical staff scheduling software?
Yes, some tools like SimplyBook.me offer a free version of their software. However, these free versions are often limited in features and functionality, so they may not be suitable for larger or more complex healthcare facilities.
Other Medical Practice Management Software Reviews
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- Healthcare CRM Software
- Patient Management Software
Summary
In summary, choosing the right medical staff scheduling software can significantly streamline your staffing processes, improve employee satisfaction, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The array of software options each comes with a distinct set of features and pricing models, and the best choice largely depends on your healthcare facility's specific needs.
Key Takeaways:
1. Identify Your Needs - Before you start your search, it's essential to understand your healthcare facility's specific requirements. This could include the size of your staff, the complexity of your schedules, or any regulatory requirements you must meet.
2. Evaluate Features - Not all software offers the same features. Some excel in automated scheduling and communication, others focus on robust reporting capabilities, while some cater to multi-specialty clinics. Ensure the software you select aligns with your operational needs.
3. Consider the Cost - While pricing shouldn't be the sole factor in your decision, it's still a significant consideration. Determine your budget beforehand and look for software that offers the best value for your money, considering both the immediate cost and the potential long-term savings through improved efficiency and resource utilization.
What Do You Think?
I've endeavored to provide a comprehensive guide to help you find the best medical staff scheduling software for your specific needs. However, there may be other great options out there that I haven't discovered yet. If you're using a tool that you think should be on this list, I'd love to hear about it. Please don't hesitate to share your recommendations and experiences with us.