By 2033, the healthcare industry may face a shortage of approximately 12,500 anesthesiologists, representing nearly 30% of the anesthesia workforce.
Here are five key takeaways from an Oct. 14 blog post by Coronis Health on the root causes of these staffing constraints and impacts on anesthesia providers.
- The declining numbers of anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists can be attributed to increasing compensation demands, an aging workforce, increased demand for surgical procedures and a limited number of trained professionals entering the field.
- Evaluating and monitoring compensation practices is crucial; even small financial gains often prompt staff to move to different practices. Offering increased compensation and improved benefits packages can lead to success in attracting and retaining anesthesia staff but may ultimately lead to an increase for all providers, putting more strain on budgets.
- Strategies to curb staffing shortages can involve reducing services, auditing efficiency, potentially changing staffing models or requesting facility stipends to bolster budgets.
- Communication with hospital administrators is important in addressing staffing challenges. Anesthesia providers should reach out to their administrators and talk about their importance and role in providing excellent patient care.
- A three-pronged approach of accountability, collaboration and innovation can lead to success. Keeping a sharp eye on developments in the anesthesia space and monitoring budgets can help in creating a long-term solution versus a short-term fix.