The news: Almost 6 in 10 physicians (58%) are skeptical that the US physician shortage will improve significantly in the next decade, per a Medscape report last week.
- 42% are “unconfident,” while 16% are “very unconfident” that the situation will improve.
Meanwhile, 69% report their healthcare organizations are currently trying to hire full- or part-time physicians. Medscape surveyed 1,001 US physicians in March and April to gauge the ongoing effects of the national shortage.
Digging into the details: The majority of respondents agree there aren’t enough qualified candidates across healthcare job openings.
- 63% cite a shortage of qualified applicants for physician openings.
- 56% point to a shortage of quality applicants for support staff.
- And 52% say there are not enough qualified nurses and physician assistants.
Yes, and: About 4 in 10 physicians say their work life is affected by unfilled positions via higher patient loads, busier schedules, or longer working hours.