The health services research workforce: current stock.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Workforce Development
• Scientific Collaboration

Background:

• The health services research (HSR) field has experienced substantial growth.
• Understanding the characteristics and satisfaction of the HSR workforce is crucial for its continued development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the size, demographics, and job satisfaction of the HSR workforce.
• To analyze the future supply and characteristics of health services researchers.
• To identify trends in HSR workforce involvement and publication patterns.

Main Methods:

• Data were collected from AcademyHealth members, HSRProj database principal investigators, and authors in HSR journals.
• Investigator data were compared to differentiate core HSR researchers from those in related disciplines.
• Publication and presentation patterns in disciplinary venues were examined.

Main Results:

• The HSR workforce is estimated to have grown from 5,000 in 1995 to 11,596 in 2007.
• The workforce is diverse, with varying levels of self-identification and engagement across disciplines.
• Many HSR professionals publish and present across multiple disciplinary venues.

Conclusions:

• The HSR workforce faces demographic challenges, including an aging population and the need for greater diversity.
• International collaboration is common, suggesting a potential shift towards an international definition of the field.
• Health services researchers report high job satisfaction, job security, and low intentions to change employment.