The skills shortage in healthcare will continue and technology will make healthcare staffing more self-service were two predictions made Thursday by executives during the keynote CEO panel at Staffing Industry Analysts’ Healthcare Staffing Summit in Las Vegas.

“We’re in one of the worst shortages that we’ve ever seen,” said Susan Salka, president and CEO of AMN Healthcare Services Inc. And this current healthcare skills shortage will only get worse, Salka added.

“I think 10 years from now we will still be talking about a clinician talent shortage,” said Brendan Courtney, president and CEO of HealthTrust Workforce Solutions.

CEOs also said technology will advance and change the industry; in particular, the discussion focused on the ability for platforms to offer self-service for clinicians and clients — connecting those seeking jobs with those seeking additional staff.

“I think we all will have an Uber-like feel,” Salka said. However, the technology must serve the needs of both clinicians and clients. And staffing firms will have to fasten their seatbelts for the upcoming technological change.

“Whatever is disruptive today will be table stakes in two years,” she said.

Clinicians are already vetting healthcare staffing firms online, said Sheldon Arora, CEO of LiquidAgents Healthcare.“They’re doing the homework to find us,” Arora said.

Ultimately, self-service platforms will be in place for healthcare staffing firms, connecting clinicians and clients online, he said. Staffing firms will support, guide and help connect.

Barry Asin, president of Staffing Industry Analysts, moderated the panel. Abigail Tremble, president, healthcare practice and chief concept design officer, Randstad US, also served on the panel.

The conference ends today.