Dataset Information

A Methodology for Using Workforce Data to Decide Which Specialties and States to Target for Graduate Medical Education Expansion.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To outline a methodology for allocating graduate medical education (GME) training positions based on data from a workforce projection model.

Data sources

Demand for visits is derived from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and Census data. Physician supply, retirements, and geographic mobility are estimated using concatenated AMA Masterfiles and ABMS certification data. The number and specialization behaviors of residents are derived from the AAMC's GMETrack survey.

Design

We show how the methodology could be used to allocate 3,000 new GME slots over 5 years-15,000 total positions-by state and specialty to address workforce shortages in 2026.

Extraction methods

We use the model to identify shortages for 19 types of health care services provided by 35 specialties in 50 states.

Principal findings

The new GME slots are allocated to nearly all specialties, but nine states and the District of Columbia do not receive any new positions.

Conclusions

This analysis illustrates an objective, evidence-based methodology for allocating GME positions that could be used as the starting point for discussions about GME expansion or redistribution.

SUBMITTER: Fraher EP

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5269545 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

A Methodology for Using Workforce Data to Decide Which Specialties and States to Target for Graduate Medical Education Expansion.

Fraher Erin P EP Knapton Andy A Holmes George M GM

Health services research 20170201

<h4>Objective</h4>To outline a methodology for allocating graduate medical education (GME) training positions based on data from a workforce projection model.<h4>Data sources</h4>Demand for visits is derived from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and Census data. Physician supply, retirements, and geographic mobility are estimated using concatenated AMA Masterfiles and ABMS certification data. The number and specialization behaviors of residents are derived from the AAMC's GMETrack survey.<h4 ...[more]

PMID: 28127769

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Project description:The United States has a well-trained, highly specialized physician workforce yet continues to have care gaps across the nation. Deficiencies in primary care and mental health specialties are most frequently cited, though critical shortages in multiple disciplines exist, particularly in rural areas. Sponsoring institutions of physician graduate medical education (GME) have created rural residency tracks with modest federal funding and minimal incentives, though efforts targeting shortages in these specialties and geographic locations have been limited. In response to access problems in the Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the second largest federal funder of GME with the most expansive clinical education platform, Congress passed the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. This act directed the VA and provided funding to establish 1,500 new positions, a 15% expansion of VA-funded positions at the time. Priority for position selection was given to primary care, mental health, and any other specialties the secretary of VA determined appropriate. Importantly, priority was also given to VA facilities with documented physician shortages, those that did not have GME training programs, those in communities with high concentrations of veterans, and those in health profession shortage areas. Many rural facilities match this profile and were targeted for this initiative. At the conclusion of fiscal year 2021, 1,490 positions had been authorized, and 21 of the 22 VA medical centers previously without GME activity had added residents or were planning to soon. Of the authorized positions, 42% are in primary care, 24% in mental health, and 34% in critically needed additional specialties. Targeted GME expansion in the VA, the largest integrated health care system in the nation, has been successful in addressing physician GME training that aligns with physician shortages and may serve as a model to address national physician specialty and geographic workforce needs.

Dataset Information

A Methodology for Using Workforce Data to Decide Which Specialties and States to Target for Graduate Medical Education Expansion.

Objective

Data sources

Design

Extraction methods

Principal findings

Conclusions

Publications

A Methodology for Using Workforce Data to Decide Which Specialties and States to Target for Graduate Medical Education Expansion.

Similar Datasets

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