2015 American College of Rheumatology Workforce Study: Supply and Demand Projections of Adult Rheumatology Workforce, 2015–2030

Abstract

Objective. To describe the character and composition of the 2015 US adult rheumatology workforce, evaluate workforce trends, and project supply and demand for clinical rheumatology care for 2015-2030. Methods. The 2015 Workforce Study of Rheumatology Specialists in the US used primary and secondary data sources to estimate the baseline adult rheumatology workforce and determine demographic and geographic factors relevant to workforce modeling. Supply and demand was projected through 2030, utilizing data-driven estimations regarding the proportion and clinical full-time equivalent (FTE) of academic versus nonacademic practitioners. Results. The 2015 adult workforce (physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) was estimated to be 6,013 providers (5,415 clinical FTE). At baseline, the estimated demand exceeded the supply of clinical FTE by 700 (12.9%). By 2030, the supply of rheumatology clinical providers is projected to fall to 4,882 providers, or 4,051 clinical FTE (a 25.2% decrease in supply from 2015 baseline levels). Demand in 2030 is projected to exceed supply by 4,133 clinical FTE (102%). Conclusion. The adult rheumatology workforce projections reflect a major demographic and geographic shift that will significantly impact the supply of the future workforce by 2030. These shifts include baby-boomer retirements, a millennial predominance, and an increase of female and part-time providers, in parallel with an increased demand for adult rheumatology care due to the growing and aging US population. Regional and innovative strategies will be necessary to manage access to care and reduce barriers to care for rheumatology patients.

Rheumatology workforce issues in South Asia: Challenges and solutions

“…Further, no data is available on the number of rheumatologists. In Europe and the USA, there are approximately 1.7 rheumatologists per 100 000 citizens . In a survey conducted in the Asia‐Pacific League Against Rheumatism (APLAR) region, 20 of the 30 countries responded and they were divided into three clusters according to per capita income:>$20 000 (n = 7), $2500‐10 000 (n = 9) and <$2000 (n = 4).…”

“…In north European countries, a psychologist, nutritionist and social worker are also included in the team . In the USA, rheumatologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are the active rheumatology service providers . In most of South Asia, support personnel like rheumatology nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and psychologists are almost non‐existent in the team for rheumatic care.…”

“…In Europe and the USA, there are approximately 1.7 rheumatologists per 100 000 citizens. 19,20 In a survey conducted in the Asia-Pacific League Against Rheumatism (APLAR) region, 20 of the 30 countries responded and they were divided into three clusters according to per capita income:>$20 000 (n = 7), $2500-10 000 (n = 9) and <$2000 (n = 4). The high-income countries had 1 rheumatologist per 72 393, middle income ones had 1 per 1 208 100 and the low-income ones had 1 per 3 618 600 citizens.…”

“…26 In the USA, rheumatologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are the active rheumatology service providers. 20 In most of South Asia, support personnel like rheumatology nurses,…”

The Supply of Rheumatology Specialist Care in Real Life. Results of a Nationwide Survey and Analysis of Supply and Needs

“…Furthermore, due to increasing age and improved survival, both in the general population and in patients with many, not only inflammatory but also chronic diseases, the number of patients with co-morbidities is also rising (5,6). This leads to a dramatic increase of specialist visits needed to care for patients with RMD.…”