Creativity, collaboration required to address workforce issues, health care demands
Major finding: Between 1992 and 2012, the percentage of fellows in solo practice decreased from 32% to 19%, while the percentage employed by hospitals increased steadily from 5% to 15%.
Data source: A descriptive study involving analysis of data of seven ACOG surveys of professional liability.
Disclosures: Dr. Rayburn and Mr. Klagholz reported having no disclosures.
AT THE ACOG ANNUAL CLINICAL MEETING
"In other words, you’re going to be working 6% harder than you are right now in terms of meeting the demand of your patients," he said, noting that the estimate is a conservative one and that demand will vary greatly by geographic region.
For example, areas such as Montana, North Dakota, and West Virginia will likely see decreasing demand, which may be a good thing since these areas have general ob.gyn. shortages, he said.
Texas and Florida, as well as areas in the Intermountain West are expected to experience booming demand, with increases of more than 10%.
"So we’ve got to think of alternative modes of treating patients, with probably more of a collaborative, team-based effort in which you and I as physicians are team leaders," he said.
Dr. Rayburn and Mr. Klagholz reported having no disclosures.
