Critical Care Advanced Practice Providers: Practice and Workforce

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Healthcare Workforce Studies
• Advanced Practice Providers

Background:

• The critical care advanced practice provider (APP) workforce is essential for patient care.
• Understanding the structure and practice patterns of this workforce is crucial for sustainability.
• Gaps exist in onboarding, productivity assessment, and administrative roles for critical care APPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the composition and demographics of the critical care medicine APP workforce.
• To identify current practice trends, including workload and billing.
• To investigate factors influencing workforce sustainability, such as onboarding and professional development.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was distributed to critical care APPs via the Society of Critical Care Medicine email list.
• Data were collected on workforce demographics, clinical practice, onboarding, productivity measurement, and administrative roles.
• Statistical analysis was performed to identify disparities and associations.

Main Results:

• The survey included 518 critical care APPs (63.2% APRNs, 28.8% PAs, 8% CNSs).
• Over 50% managed 6-10 patients per shift; 41.5% lacked formal productivity measurement.
• Formal onboarding was more common in academic hospitals (72.3%); administrative roles were also more prevalent there.
• 22% intended to leave the profession, especially those lacking leadership/growth opportunities.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities exist in workload, onboarding, productivity measurement, and administrative roles among critical care APPs.
• Limited professional growth opportunities are strongly associated with an intent to leave the profession.
• Healthcare systems must invest in structured support, leadership development, and professional growth to improve APP retention and productivity.