+
++
++
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).
++