US-based healthcare consultant ScionHealth and health technology startup Gratia Health have collaborated to offer a technologically driven employee incentive platform for frontline caregivers.

The platform is intended to address the challenge of expensive contract labour while retaining and recognising full-time employees.

After a pilot programme that demonstrated a reduction in the use of contract labour, the partnership has expanded to include ScionHealth's more than 70 speciality hospitals across 21 US states.

Gratia's technology aims to engage caregivers in a shift pickup incentive programme, allowing them to easily locate and secure additional shifts while monitoring their progress towards pay incentives and status rewards.

The two-way texting application streamlines communication, with the company offering automated updates and progress notifications to caregivers.

According to Gratia’s website, Gratia Solution uses scalable technology with customised engagement strategies and user-friendly tools for employers.

The incentive programmes target core challenges in shift-based healthcare, addressing issues including shift pickup, timely attendance, preceptorship, clinical ladder advancement and peer recognition.

Gratia claims to help organisations go live on their platform in 30 days through design, configuration, branded build-out and ongoing support.

The partnership plans to introduce more incentive programmes next year, with a focus on addressing attendance, preceptorship and clinical ladder advancement.

Gratia Health co-founder and president Harrison Tyner said: “The staffing shortage and general wellness of our frontline healthcare workers is perhaps the biggest challenge our industry faces today.

“Our approach from the beginning was to focus on long-term, sustainable solutions that create healthier work environments for staffed healthcare workers.

“In creating a truly innovative approach to how clinical staff are recognised and incentivised, we’ve tapped into a deep well of value that is creating a win-win environment for everyone.

“None of this would have been possible without ScionHealth’s steadfast commitment to innovation and focus on empowering their clinical staff to do their best work.”