One of the top priorities of a healthcare facility providing anesthesia care is to keep its staff safe while providing the greatest care to its patients. Even though facilities and healthcare groups are experiencing anesthesia staffing shortages everywhere, that priority remains the same.
While maintaining the same high level of care is becoming a challenge, hiring a locum tenens anesthesiologist is a proactive solution to navigate this challenge.
Let’s explore some benefits of embracing locum tenens anesthesia providers in your staffing strategy.
1. Locums help bridge the experience gap
According to the Association of American Medical College’s (AAMC) 2022 Physician Specialty Data Report, 56.9 percent of active anesthesiologists are 55 or older.
A majority of these providers are nearing retirement age, highlighting the crucial need anesthesia staffing for anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), and certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAA). By integrating seasoned locum tenens anesthesia staff, healthcare facilities can seamlessly bridge the experience gap and ensure continuity of care.
2. Locums can address the looming workforce shortage
There are currently 42,264 active anesthesiologists alongside 56,000 active CRNAs. Still, the AAMC predicts an impending shortage of approximately 12,500 anesthesiologists by 2023, equating to a 30 percent decrease from the current active staff.
This predictive insight underscores the importance of proactively addressing workforce gaps now while facilities have the time to ensure they maintain the quality and accessibility of anesthesia services.
3. Facilities have to adapt to changing demographics
The ripple effects of workforce shortages resonate far and wide, especially in rural communities. CRNAs are expected to witness significant reductions, emphasizing the urgency of comprehensive solutions. In rural communities, introducing locum tenens anesthesiologists, CRNAs, and CAAs can provide immediate support to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure consistent anesthesia care.
4. Locums can provide new techniques and improve your staff overall.
Healthcare evolves constantly, introducing new anesthesia techniques and practices. Locum tenens anesthesia providers offer diverse expertise that can enrich your facility’s knowledge. Their varied backgrounds and innovative approaches bring fresh perspectives, optimizing pain management and recovery.
By tapping into their skills, your facility ensures top-tier patient care and stays at the forefront of medical advancements. This integration elevates your reputation and enhances patient outcomes, solidifying your position in the medical community.
5. Locums can help you elevate your facility’s care
The heart of every healthcare facility is its commitment to patients. When a facility enlists the expertise of locum tenens anesthesiologists, they enhance their ability to provide patient-centric care. Taking on additional locum tenens staff means that facilities have more people to handle the caseload and more providers to execute the best care for each patient without being spread so thin. Adding locum tenens anesthesia staff can help facilities improve their patients’ well-being by allowing providers more time with their patients.
Whether responding to emergent needs, maintaining a stable schedule, or supporting specialized procedures, these locum tenens providers bolster patient experiences and outcomes.
Seize the Future of Anesthesiology
The trajectory of anesthesiology demands proactive steps.
If your facility collaborates with Covelo Direct, we can work with you to help integrate locum tenens anesthesiologists, CRNAs, and CAAs who can transform your facility. Our tailored, boutique approach to locum tenens is also affordable because we know how essential locum tenens providers are to healthcare delivery.
