RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the types of patients cared for by physician assistants (PAs), specifically older adults and those with complex medical conditions. METHODS: A nationwide survey was sent to PAs asking about their practice demographics, including the complexity of their patients and the types of treatment they provide; 676 responded. RESULTS: Less than 2% of PAs specialize in geriatrics but 92.1% of PAs see patients over age 65 years. Most PAs see patients with conditions associated with aging, including hypertension (85.8%) and osteoarthritis (82.1%) as well as those with three or more comorbidities (54.8%) or who are medically complex (52.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Although few PAs work exclusively in geriatrics, most PAs are providing medical care for older adults and patients with complex healthcare needs. PAs should be considered to fill healthcare needs that will continue to exist when caring for this patient population.
Assuntos
Atenção à Saúde , Serviços de Saúde para Idosos , Mão de Obra em Saúde , Assistentes Médicos , Adulto , Idoso , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Feminino , Humanos , Hipertensão , Satisfação no Emprego , Masculino , Multimorbidade , Osteoartrite , Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To describe the character and composition of the 2015 US adult rheumatology workforce, evaluate workforce trends, and project supply and demand for clinical rheumatology care for 2015-2030. METHODS: The 2015 Workforce Study of Rheumatology Specialists in the US used primary and secondary data sources to estimate the baseline adult rheumatology workforce and determine demographic and geographic factors relevant to workforce modeling. Supply and demand was projected through 2030, utilizing data-driven estimations regarding the proportion and clinical full-time equivalent (FTE) of academic versus nonacademic practitioners. RESULTS: The 2015 adult workforce (physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) was estimated to be 6,013 providers (5,415 clinical FTE). At baseline, the estimated demand exceeded the supply of clinical FTE by 700 (12.9%). By 2030, the supply of rheumatology clinical providers is projected to fall to 4,882 providers, or 4,051 clinical FTE (a 25.2% decrease in supply from 2015 baseline levels). Demand in 2030 is projected to exceed supply by 4,133 clinical FTE (102%). CONCLUSION: The adult rheumatology workforce projections reflect a major demographic and geographic shift that will significantly impact the supply of the future workforce by 2030. These shifts include baby-boomer retirements, a millennial predominance, and an increase of female and part-time providers, in parallel with an increased demand for adult rheumatology care due to the growing and aging US population. Regional and innovative strategies will be necessary to manage access to care and reduce barriers to care for rheumatology patients.