Closing the Chasm: Understanding and Addressing the Anesthesia Workforce Supply and Demand Imbalance

Amr E. Abouleish, Paul Pomerantz, Mary Dale Peterson, Maxime Cannesson, Oluwaseun Akeju, Thomas R. Miller, James P. Rathmell, Daniel J. Cole

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The imbalance in anesthesia workforce supply and demand has been exacerbated post-COVID due to a surge in demand for anesthesia care, especially in non-operating room anesthetizing sites, at a faster rate than the increase in anesthesia clinicians. The consequences of this imbalance or labor shortage compromise healthcare facilities, adversely affect the cost of care, worsen anesthesia workforce burnout, disrupt procedural and surgical schedules, and threaten academic missions and the ability to educate future anesthesiologists. In developing possible solutions, one must examine emerging trends that are affecting the anesthesia workforce, new technologies that will transform anesthesia care and the workforce, and financial considerations, including governmental payment policies. Possible practice solutions to this imbalance will require both short- and long-term multifactorial approaches that include increasing training positions and retention policies, improving capacity through innovations, leveraging technology, and addressing financial constraints.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)238-249
Number of pages12
JournalAnesthesiology
Volume141
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2024
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

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