Skip to Main Content

We have a new app!

Take the Access library with you wherever you go—easy access to books, videos, images, podcasts, personalized features, and more.

Download the Access App here: iOS and Android

NOTE

Dr. Rheuban has a financial interest in Tytocare, LLC, for which she serves as a member of the advisory board. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by the University of Virginia.

INTRODUCTION

Appropriate access to high-quality care is a priority for patients and policy makers alike. Though many social and economic factors influence access to care, one important domain that affects timely access is the adequacy of the health care workforce supply. When the capacity of the workforce enables patient needs to be met, capacity is adequate. When the capacity of the workforce is insufficient, access to care will be suboptimal. Increases in workforce capacity can be achieved in one or more of the following ways: increase the workforce supply (eg, the number of physicians being trained), reduce attrition of the workforce (eg, physician retirement or shifting to nonclinical roles), train others to take over some aspects of the work effort (eg, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and others who serve a substitution role for traditionally physician-centric activities), and increase efficiency/reduce waste (eg, reduce time spent on documentation and use the time gained on direct patient care) (Table 2-1).

Table 2-1.

U.S. Healthcare Workforce Supply and Projected Growth Through 2025

Pop-up div Successfully Displayed

This div only appears when the trigger link is hovered over. Otherwise it is hidden from view.