Trey Davis

Over the last two to three decades, however, the permanent employment model has evolved, and today temporary medical professionals are moving from the periphery of healthcare staffing to the core. Read on to discover some factors that have caused this evolution to take place, along with the present staffing picture and what we can expect in the years to come.

SHORTAGES

Also in the 1970s, medical facilities began contracting the services of locum tenens physicians, mirroring the trend in nurse staffing. At that time, mobile doctors typically covered for vacationing or sick colleagues and for those attending continuing medical education seminars. In recent years, how-ever, the locum tenens landscape has changed and contingent staffing is used to close gaps while hospitals and medical groups seek permanent placements for hard-to-fill positions. Indeed, according to Staff Care's 2006 Review of Temporary Physician Staffing Trends, the Number One reason hospitals and medical groups utilize the skills of locum tenens physicians is to maintain services while permanent physicians are recruited.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Another factor affecting the demand for contingent staff is an increase in elderly adults, driving up the need for more medical services. Additionally, physician and nurse training programs cannot keep pace with this escalating demand. Between the years 2000 and 2020, the Census Bureau projects the U.S. population will increase by 50 million people, with those 65 or older representing the fastest growing segment.

Meanwhile, the physician and nurse populations are also aging, with Baby Boomers beginning to look toward retirement. According to the American Medical Association, about one-third of doctors are 55 or older while the average age for nurses in the U.S. is 48. More senior doctors and nurses find that accepting temporary opportunities is an ideal way to transition into semi-retirement, helping to swell the ranks of those providers pursuing the mobile career option. Moreover, a growing number of female physicians are looking for the type of flexible scheduling that locum tenens offers, further enhancing the pool of candidates.

PRACTICE STYLES

Young physicians today put a premium on quality of life, which usually means more free time for family and outside interests. More vacation time and greater numbers of fixed schedules create gaps in medical coverage, which are increasingly being filled by locum tenens doctors. Implementing contingent staffing services not only helps administrators maintain the continuity of patient care, but also reduces the strain on permanent staff and improves retention in a variety of disciplines.

As a result, hospitals and medical groups are becoming savvier about their utilization of locum tenens services. Through forecasting tools and physician surveys, staffing companies are able to determine the most efficient and cost-effective ways to blend temporary providers with permanent staff. Ultimately, the key is for medical administrators to use contingent staffing strategically so as not to become "temp dependent."

THE FUTURE