Child Health Needs and the Pediatric Gastroenterology Workforce: 2020-2040

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Subspecialty Workforce Analysis
• Gastroenterology Workforce Dynamics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Current pediatric gastroenterology workforce demographics, practice models, and disease prevalence are evolving.
• An increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in children necessitates workforce planning.
• The American Board of Pediatrics Foundation is analyzing pediatric subspecialty workforce trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the current pediatric gastroenterology workforce.
• To project workforce changes in pediatric gastroenterology from 2020 to 2040.
• To identify challenges and implications for training, policy, and future research.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of current pediatric gastroenterology workforce demographics and distribution.
• Microsimulation modeling to project workforce numbers and equivalents.
• Review of practice models and disease prevalence trends.

Main Results:

• The pediatric gastroenterology workforce is projected to double by 2040.
• This growth rate is faster than most other pediatric subspecialties.
• Significant challenges include geographic, racial, and ethnic disparities in care.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric gastroenterology is growing in scope and complexity.
• Addressing disparities and adapting training and healthcare delivery models are essential.
• Future workforce research should focus on meeting diverse patient needs.