The Shortage of Healthcare Workers in the United States

Abstract

This chapter discusses the current state of healthcare workers in the United States and strategies that show promise in mitigating shortages. Although some strategies involve leveraging technology, it is more important to provide students with an adequate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education prior to entering college. This would allow them to excel in the college level science classes needed to become doctors, nurses, mental healthcare professionals, physician assistants, etc., concomitant with mitigating the high attrition observed in these courses. In addition, diversity and inclusion efforts along with the invaluable role of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will also be discussed.

Introductory Chapter: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare – Where Do We Go from Here?

“…Perhaps the most significant benefits of AI will be realized in medicine and healthcare. Today's society faces staffing shortages of healthcare professionals [33][34][35]. In absence of sufficiently staffed healthcare organizations and institutions, current healthcare practitioners will require support to achieve optimal patient safety and levels of care provision.…”