Key Issues Facing the Health Care Workforce

October 29, 2024

The federal government recently released a new report on the persistent challenges facing the health care workforce—shortages, administrative burdens, and burnout—and steps to address those challenges.

The report was published alongside several health care workforce-related announcements, including a new website for people interested in joining the health care workforce.

“The nation’s health is stronger when we have a trained, fully equipped, and well-supported health workforce,” said Xavier Becerra, secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Here are five takeaways from the report:

• Geographic disparities:  The projected shortage for physicians varies greatly between metro and non-metro areas.
  • About 94 percent of estimated demand for physician services will be met in metro areas during 2036, compared to just 44 percent in non-metro areas.
• Behavioral health:  Through 2036, the government projects shortages in many behavioral health occupations, including: addiction counselors (87,630), mental health counselors (69,610); psychologists (62,490); psychiatrists (42,130); marriage and family therapists (27,450); and school counselors (21,030).
• Pandemic’s impact:  There was a 1.8 percent decrease in the registered nurse workforce during 2021.
• Telehealth’s role:  Telehealth could help address some ongoing workforce challenges, but virtual tools must be carefully implemented as there are “implications for workforce training, the organization of care delivery, and related data collection and research.”
• Quotable:  “What is clear is this: we need more health workers,” Becerra said. “We especially need health workers who bring with them experience that helps them better serve their communities.”

Review the report online.