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Analysis of workforce, distribution of care, and practice preference in pediatric plastic surgery
1American Academy of Pediatrics, Elk Grove, Illinois 60007-1098, USA.
Insights
Pediatric plastic surgeons provide adequate access to care, with some specializing in pediatric cases near health centers. Pediatricians act as gatekeepers, influencing access to specialized pediatric plastic surgery services.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Pediatric Care
- Health Workforce Analysis
Background:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics identified a need to assess manpower for pediatric specialists.
- Ensuring access to pediatric care is crucial for all children.
- Understanding the landscape of pediatric plastic surgery is essential for future planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine future manpower needs in pediatric plastic surgery.
- To evaluate current access to pediatric plastic surgery care.
- To understand the practice patterns of pediatric plastic surgeons.
Main Methods:
- A survey was developed and mailed to professional societies with pediatric plastic surgeon members.
- Survey responses were reviewed and results were analyzed.
- Findings were categorized based on the percentage of pediatric care provided by surgeons.
Main Results:
- Two distinct groups of pediatric plastic surgeons were identified based on their practice focus.
- Surgeons with a higher percentage of pediatric care often practice near health science centers.
- Both groups dedicate time to non-pediatric plastic surgery cases to varying degrees.
Conclusions:
- Current access to pediatric plastic surgery care is adequate despite healthcare system changes.
- The pediatrician's role as a gatekeeper significantly impacts patient access to pediatric plastic surgery.
- The study highlights the need for continued monitoring of pediatric specialist distribution and practice patterns.
Abstract:
To determine the future needs in manpower for pediatric care as it relates to pediatric specialists, a study was conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics to see the needs of manpower that will provide access of pediatric care to all. A pediatric plastic surgery survey was set in the form of a list of questions that was mailed to the respective societies with pediatric plastic surgeons as members. The survey was reviewed, and the results were studied. The outcome is presented in the form of findings related to the overall practice of plastic surgery. Based on the percentage of pediatric care that is provided, there were two types of pediatric plastic surgeons. Those with the high percentage of pediatric care tend to stay near health science centers; however, both groups tend to spend time (each to a different extent) tending to other plastic surgery problems. Today we have adequate access to care in the health system for pediatric plastic surgery problems despite the shift in the health care environment. Managed care continues to use the pediatrician as a "gatekeeper" in determining the overall access for patients with problems related to pediatric plastic surgery.