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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Health workforce supply and demand

Mapping Our Way to Success: Wisconsin's Physician Workforce, 2018 Healthcare Workforce Report
Profiles physicians in Wisconsin and offers projections for the primary care physician workforce into the year 2035 by analyzing additional data, such as the supply of physicians from medical schools, Graduate Medical Education (GME) training, and recruitment. Discusses the expected physician workforce need in rural communities. Includes statistics on Wisconsin physicians by rural-urban community area (RUCA) categories and specialty and other county-level data. See WCMEW's 2016 report for information on new or expanded family medicine, psychiatry, and general surgery programs.
Additional links: Issue Brief
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organization: Wisconsin Council on Medical Education and Workforce
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Primary Care Workforce Facts and Stats No. 3: The Distribution of the U.S. Primary Care Workforce
Describes the primary care workforce, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Provides statistics on the geographic distribution of the primary care workforce. Compares the primary care workforce distribution with specialty physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
Date: 07/2018
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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Geographic Variation in the Supply of Selected Behavioral Health Providers
Analyzes the geographic distribution of behavioral healthcare providers across the country. Breaks down data by metropolitan, micropolitan, and non-core counties and by psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners.
Author(s): C. Holly A. Andrilla, Davis G. Patterson, Lisa A. Garberson, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(6), Supp 3, S199-S207
Date: 06/2018
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State Legislative Approach to Enumerating Behavioral Health Workforce Shortages: Lessons Learned in New Mexico
Describes the model developed in New Mexico (NM) as a result of the Health Care Work Force Data Collection, Analysis and Policy Act, initially enacted in 2011, to address behavioral health workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas, and the increased demand for services due to Medicaid expansion in the state. Highlights the purpose of the legislation, the development of a statewide workforce committee, policies implemented, lessons learned, and offers suggestions for other states considering legislation supporting behavioral health workforce initiatives.
Author(s): Deborah B. Altschul, Caroline A. Bonham, Martha J. Faulkner, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(6S3), S220-S229
Date: 06/2018
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Closing Behavioral Health Workforce Gaps: A HRSA Program Expanding Direct Mental Health Service Access in Underserved Areas
Commentary describing HRSA's Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training program, an initiative to address behavioral health disparities through supply and distribution of providers to underserved areas. Includes statistics on employment status and location of 1,975 graduates of the program.
Author(s): Hayden O. Kepley, Robin A. Streeter
Citation: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(6), Supplement 3, S190-S191
Date: 06/2018
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Strategies for Expanding Primary Care Capacity in California
Addresses the need to improve the diversity, geographic distribution, and supply of primary care providers in California. Focuses on the education pipeline, recruitment and retention, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and using data to inform workforce strategies.
Author(s): Janet Coffman, Kris Himmerick
Date: 06/2018
Sponsoring organization: Healthforce Center at UCSF
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Dental Therapy in Minnesota
Reports on the dental therapist workforce in Minnesota offering information on education, certification, licensure, and practice. Discusses the financial viability of dental practices employing dental therapists and how dental therapists can increase access to oral care in rural areas.
Date: 06/2018
Sponsoring organization: Minnesota Department of Health
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Rural and Nonrural Primary Care Physician Practices Increasingly Rely on Nurse Practitioners
Details a study comparing rural and urban reliance on nurse practitioners as providers of primary care. Discusses the role of Medicaid expansion and scope of practice in findings.
Author(s): Hilary Barnes, Michael R. Richards, Matthew D. McHugh, Grant Martsolf
Citation: Health Affairs, 37(6)
Date: 06/2018
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California Physician Supply and Distribution: Headed for a Drought?
Describes the physicians in California as of 2015, including number, practice activities, demographics, and geographical distribution. Uses data from the Medical Board of California's survey for relicensure and a voluntary supplemental survey. Includes recommendations for maximizing physician resources in rural and underserved areas.
Author(s): Janet M. Coffman, Margaret Fix, Michelle Ko
Date: 06/2018
Sponsoring organization: California Health Care Foundation
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Where Are They? Examining General Surgery Workforce Issues
Describes challenges related to getting adequate data on the rural surgical workforce and what is needed to understand rural shortages.
Author(s): Kay Miller Temple
Date: 06/2018
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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