Question

Identify the main reasons why there is a looming physician shortage rather than a surplus. Then, explain how mid-level providers, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, can be utilized to offset the projected physician shortage in the future.

Answer 1

There are several reasons why we face a shortage of physicians than a surplus.Some are-

i)The colleges that provide education to physicians are limited and disperesed having rigorous admission criterias ,thereby shooing away significant portions of students who might have otherwise taken up the course.

ii)The cost of degrees are too high and require loans to be acquired for completion and that reduces the number of apaplications.

iii)The length of attaining a degree is too long and difficult and that also dissuades to people either not join or leave mid-way.

iv)The population is too huge and may cause the physicians some burn out,a reason which sets an example for others to stay away from it.

v)The rigorous shifts of the doctors because of pressure causes them to avoid this line of work

vi)The kind of postings given to doctors and the benefits provided do not maatch equally,hence the less number of physicians.

vii)The work conditions are not ideal for some who maybe emotionally weak and this profession may weigh heavy on their mental health.

The mid-level practitioners,nurses and other staff can be utilized in the following ways-

i)Divide the healthcare facility in types based on sizes and the capacity.

ii)Make this division on the basis of providing primary health care,secondary healthcare and tertiary healthcare.

iii)Train these practitioners to be adept in providing primary health-care services such that first a patient reports to these people at the primary health care centres instead of directly moving to secondary or tertiary health care centres.

iv)Train these practitioners to diagnose the cases that needed care higher than primary,and allow them to refer the same to secondary and tertiary care based on the severity of the cases.

All these steps would ensure that only those cases should reach the physicians that need their assistance and that would reduce the gaps and shortages in physicians.