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The National Health Service Corps for the 21st century.
R M Politzer1, L Q Trible, T D Robinson
1Office of Data Evaluation and Research, Department of Health and Human Resources, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management
|September 30, 2000
Summary
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has increased clinicians but still meets only 12% of primary care needs in underserved areas. Communities require readiness support before clinician placement to improve access.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Public Health Policy
- Rural Health
Background:
- The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) was established in 1970 to address primary healthcare shortages in underserved regions.
- The program aimed to increase the number of primary care providers in medically underserved areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) program's literature from 1971 to 1998.
- To present a current profile of the NHSC and identify barriers to its effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed and intragovernmental literature on the NHSC program.
- Analysis of NHSC field strength, clinician numbers, and unmet needs in underserved areas.
Main Results:
- Despite increased clinician numbers since 1991, the NHSC meets only 12% of the demand for primary care providers.
- The NHSC has improved clinician diversity and retention.
- Community and site readiness for clinician support remain significant barriers.
Conclusions:
- The NHSC must prioritize "preplacement" activities to prepare underserved communities for clinician recruitment and support.
- Enhancing community readiness is crucial for the NHSC to effectively increase access to primary healthcare.