The Physiatry Workforce in 2019 and Beyond, Part 2

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the current and future adequacy of physiatrist supply in the United States. Design A 2019 online survey of board-certified physiatrists (n = 616 completed, 30.1% response) collected information about demographics, practice characteristics, hours worked, and retirement intentions. Microsimulation models projected future physiatrist supply and demand using data from the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, national and state population projections, American Community Survey, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, and other sources. Results Approximately 37% of 8853 active physiatrists indicate that their workload exceeds capacity, 59% indicate that workload is at capacity, and 4% indicate under capacity. These findings suggest a national shortfall of 940 (10.6%) physiatrists in 2017, with substantial geographic variation in supply adequacy. Projected growth in physiatrist supply from 2017 to 2030 approximately equals demand growth (2250 vs. 2390), suggesting that without changes in care delivery, the shortfall of physiatrists will persist, with a 1080 (9.7%) physiatrist shortfall in 2030. Conclusion Without an increase in physiatry residency positions, the current national shortfall of physiatrists is projected to persist. Although a projected increase in physiatrists’ use of advanced practice providers may help preserve access to comprehensive physiatry care, it is not expected to eliminate the shortfall.

Association between the number of board-certified physiatrists and volume of rehabilitation provided in Japan: an ecological study

“…Rehabilitation medicine is still an underdeveloped field, and there may be a lack of doctors specializing in rehabilitation worldwide. It has been reported that the supply of BCPs in the US does not match the demand 14 ) . Moreover, in many countries, education and training opportunities in rehabilitation medicine are inadequate, and targeted investment may be necessary to improve the quality of rehabilitation services.…”

Current and projected workforce of spinal cord injury medicine board‐certified physicians through 2040

“…This will be 30% lower than the maximum of 537 SCIM board‐certified physicians that was reached in 2007. Dall et al 9 predicted an overall 25% increase in the physicial medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) workforce 2019–2030 using a “baseline scenario” model with a constant number of PMR residency training positions, with increased supply matching increased demand over time. This contrasts with our prediction of a modest decline over the same time period for SCIM providers, because of the projected decrease in physicians with P‐BC by 2030 (Figure 3).…”

Challenges and Opportunities in Academic Physiatry

“…A recent workforce modeling study concluded that the United States will continue to have a persistent shortfall of physiatrists unless there is a sufficient increase in physiatry residency and fellowship positions. 38 Furthermore, geographical imbalances continue to exist in part owing to the limited PM&R training opportunities in some areas of the United States (e.g., especially in rural areas). 38,39 In addition to expanding the number of residency and fellowships positions, physiatric educational programs must be flexible and focused on the success of current and future physiatrists.…”