A new analysis from healthcare education company Covista projects that the U.S. clinician shortage could nearly double by 2040, adding pressure to an already strained healthcare workforce. Healthcare Dive reports that more than 108 million people currently live in primary care shortage areas, with burnout and an aging workforce contributing to the problem. Pasted text
The analysis estimates that several interventions could reduce the projected gap. Expanding medical education capacity could address roughly a quarter of the shortage, while improving retention and reducing burnout could mitigate about 25%. Covista also estimates that AI tools that automate administrative work could address up to 37% of the projected gap. However, the report cautions that greater efficiency could also increase demand by identifying care gaps and enabling more patients to seek appointments, potentially offsetting some of those gains. Pasted text
The report also points to greater emphasis on preventive and primary care as another potential way to reduce pressure on the workforce.