The number of new geriatricians in the United States is declining, even as the over-65 population grows rapidly, according to a report from the Center for Health Workforce Studies at the University at Albany, part of the State University of New York system.
The report, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, finds that although the projected number of physicians entering practice each year is expected to be adequate to meet the “aggregate demand,” it may not be well matched to the needs of older Americans. In addition to the need for more geriatricians, the report points to the need for more mental health professionals, registered nurses, nursing home administrators, and other health care workers to meet the needs of the increasing older population.
The report also found that the demand for services by older adults is likely to be affected by health insurance reimbursement policies, emerging technology, new models of care, and changes in the profession-specific scope of practice.
“The years between 2011 and 2050 will be the critical period for the U.S. health care system, as the baby boomers retire from the labor force,” the report said. “It is not too early for the health care system to begin to prepare for those years, if it is to effectively meet the challenge of population aging.”
The report details the broad impact of the aging population on the health care workforce and the impact on 18 specific health professions. The full report is available online at http://chws.albany.edu