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Analysis of factors affecting U.S. emergency physician workforce projections. SAEM Workforce Task Force
C J Holliman1, R C Wuerz, A J Hirshberg
1Pennsylvania State University, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Emergency Department, Hershey 17033-0850, USA. jhollima@nursing.hmc.psu.edu
Summary
The U.S. faces a shortage of emergency physicians (EPs), with current data incomplete. Projections show this deficit will persist for decades, impacting emergency department (ED) staffing.
Area of Science:
- Health Workforce Analysis
- Emergency Medicine
- Healthcare Policy
Background:
- Estimates of the U.S. emergency medicine (EM) workforce are often imprecise.
- Understanding the current and future EM workforce is crucial for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To refine existing estimates of the U.S. emergency physician (EP) workforce.
- To project the impact of healthcare system changes on the EM workforce.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from ACEP, AMA, AHA, state medical boards, and ABEM.
- Employed workforce models to project supply and demand for EPs.
Main Results:
- No single data source provided complete information on practicing EPs.
- Nationwide projections indicate a shortage of EPs to staff existing emergency departments (EDs).
- At least 22 states have fewer than 5 EPs per ED; the deficit will persist for decades.
Conclusions:
- Despite incomplete data, a relative shortage of EPs is projected.
- More comprehensive data on EP numbers and distribution are needed for accurate workforce projections.