Adequate staffing has been recognized as a significant issue in the medical sphere, originating numerous concerns regarding the supply of clinical specialists. Of particular interest are the decreasing numbers of Medical Doctors (MDs) and Registered Nurses (RNs), who play a primary role in creating a high-quality healthcare environment. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) published a disturbing statistic demonstrating the limitations in the supply of MDs and RNs, reporting an expected lack of approximately 46900 to 121900 physicians in the US (AAMC, 2019).
In addition, Drennan and Ross (2019) suggest that the global demand for nurses will increase by 2030, while the number of available nursing personnel will remain insufficient. Considering this evidence, it is clear that the current supply of MDs and RNs is inappropriate for providing the necessary health coverage.
Researchers have proposed analyses of the factors leading to MDs and RNs shortages to address the continuously increasing physician demands. Population growth has been considered a prominent aspect contributing to the issue’s development due to the elevation of patient numbers (AAMC, 2019). As the of citizens’ life quality elevates, more individuals require medical services, substantially increasing the demand for physicians and nurses. However, given that the medical program attendance remains the same, available MDs and RNs cannot cover the population’s growing needs (Buerhaus et al., 2017). From this perspective, the government officials should implement incentive strategies and promote the medical professionals’ well-being to improve the citizens’ interest in the nursing profession.
References
Buerhaus, P. I., Skinner, L. E., Auerbach, D. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2017). Four challenges facing the nursing workforce in the United States. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 8(2), 40–46. Web.
Drennan, V. M., & Ross, F. (2019). Global nurse shortages—The facts, the impact and action for change. British Medical Bulletin, 130(1), 25–37. Web.
AAMC. (2019). New findings confirm predictions on physician shortage. Web.