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ATTENTION: Workforce shortages as a barrier to optimal dialysis
Karen J Gaietto1, Mark E Williams2
1DaVita Incorporated, Denver, CO, USA.
Seminars in Dialysis
|October 23, 2020
Summary
The nephrology workforce crisis, including doctors, nurses, and patient care technicians, is a growing concern for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) management. Shortages in trained professionals threaten optimal dialysis care delivery.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Healthcare Workforce Studies
- Public Health
Background:
- Optimal end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) management relies on a robust healthcare workforce.
- A significant workforce crisis is evident in nephrology, impacting dialysis care delivery.
- Increasing numbers of dialysis-dependent patients exacerbate existing workforce challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical workforce shortage in nephrology affecting end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) care.
- To examine the factors contributing to the insufficient supply of nephrologists, nurses, and patient care technicians.
- To assess the potential impact of this workforce deficit on the quality of dialysis care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on nephrology workforce trends.
- Analysis of factors influencing physician and allied health professional supply.
- Discussion of the implications of workforce shortages on patient care.
Main Results:
- Fewer US medical trainees are entering nephrology.
- There is a declining availability of international medical graduates for nephrology training.
- Shortages of trained dialysis nurses and patient care technicians (PCTs) are significant but less recognized.
Conclusions:
- The nephrology workforce shortage poses a substantial barrier to providing optimal end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) care.
- Addressing the declining interest in nephrology among trainees and international graduates is crucial.
- Mitigating shortages of nurses and PCTs is equally vital for effective dialysis service provision.
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