The Physician Shortage: Projections, Causes, and Solutions
Continued use of locum tenens physicians. “Locum tenens” refers to physicians who work on temporary assignments that may last from one day up to one year, usually substituting for physicians who are on vacation or who are otherwise absent, or filling in until permanent physicians can be recruited. AMN Healthcare estimates that over 52,000 physicians work on a locum tenens basis each year. Many physicians who work as locum tenens are older and are at the end stage of their careers. Without the option of locum tenens, they may otherwise have retired. Others are younger physicians who are seeking an alternative to traditional practice and could leave medicine if they do not find one. The use of locum tenens physicians may prolong the careers of both older and younger physicians and contribute to overall physician FTEs. Enhanced physician working conditions. As was referenced above, physician burnout and turnover are significant contributors to the physician shortage. Many physicians today are dissatisfied with their practice environments, which often are characterized by excessive bureaucratic and documentation duties, lack of clinical autonomy, and problematic reimbursement models. Measures that improve the medical practice environment are likely to keep physicians more engaged, reduce burnout, and prolong their careers, thereby enhancing overall physician FTEs. These measures include reduction of documentation/data entry requirements, enhanced clinical autonomy, and clear and fair compensation formulas. The key is to maximize the time physicians have for patient care and minimize other duties and distractions that lead to burnout and exits from the field.
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