More and more healthcare facilities are discovering the benefits of integrating advanced practice providers (APPs) into their care teams—especially when it comes to bridging gaps in care caused by the physician shortage. This strategic staffing solution creates meaningful opportunities for APPs, while broadening the scope of quality coverage for facilities.
How can APPs benefit facilities?
APPs extend the capacity of facilities to offer quality care to more patients—which makes them a crucial tool in addressing the physician shortage.
“Research demonstrates that advanced practitioners not only provide a high level of patient satisfaction—they also can effectively manage chronic conditions, and are very well placed to offer patient education,” says Teresa Thompson, Hayes Locums’ Vice President of Sales. “[Integrating APPs] reduces the number of patients having to be admitted, and even readmissions. On top of that, APPs also offer a more cost-effective solution.”
While APPs can’t replace a physician, they can help decrease the burden on physicians while maintaining quality coverage.
What is a care team model in healthcare, and why is it so important for facilities? How does it create better opportunities for both APPs and facilities?
A care team brings together healthcare provider types who complement and support each other’s expertise. Care teams foster collaboration among providers, each member contributing their skills to provide quality patient care that’s a crucial piece of the puzzle.
“The care team model is becoming more widely adopted, and APPs play a crucial role in that approach,” says Thompson. “Rather than having one doctor who is trying to take care of everything, care teams offer a collaborative approach that extends the reach of the physician. Everyone knows what their piece of the puzzle is when it comes to patient care.”
As the physician shortage grows, more facilities are turning toward this approach to address their gaps in coverage.
“The physician shortage isn’t going away. The aging population is going to continue to age, and we’re going to see more chronic cases as a result of that,” says Thompson. “More and more systems are recognizing that this approach is one of the best ways to solve the shortage of physicians.”
How are advanced practice providers taking on cases that physicians usually manage?
As states across the country are allowing advanced practitioners more autonomy for independent practice, APPs are taking on more cases traditionally managed by physicians through collaborative care models that benefit everyone involved.
“The physician shortage is pushing the increase in scope for advanced practitioners,” says Thompson. “We’re seeing more states allowing autonomy and independent practice. As more facilities adopt this more holistic care team approach, they need advanced practitioners to take on the less acute cases, to allow physicians to take on the more specialized cases.”
When APPs are given more autonomy, they can take on responsibilities that free up physicians, and the team as a whole can see more patients.
Which specialty is in high demand for advanced practice providers in locum tenens?
At Hayes Locums, anesthesia represents the highest demand specialty when it comes to APPs. CRNAs and CAAs are at the forefront of locums because their skillset is increasingly essential—and the opportunities for these providers continue to grow.
“The APP team [at Hayes Locums] is the largest team in the company and covers every specialty we have, with one half completely dedicated to the anesthesia specialty,” says Thompson.
Both CRNAs and CAAS keep operating rooms running, and CAAs can provide valuable support for pre- and post-operative care. When included in care teams, they collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other providers to optimize treatment plans.
How can facilities and locums advanced practice providers build successful partnerships?
Creating strong relationships with locum APPs starts with clearly defining team roles for each provider while recognizing the unique strengths that they can bring to your facility.
“Before the pandemic, a lot of providers and facilities didn’t realize that locums was an option. But as the care team model is becoming more widely adopted due to physician shortages, more and more facilities are understanding the benefits and scope that locums APPs can bring.”
As the physician shortage continues, more states are expanding the scope of practice for APPs—which means there is an increase in opportunities for facilities to use APPS to support their teams. A trusted locums partner can help your facility understand the scope of practice that APPs hold in your particular area and determine how APPs can best support your team.
Building a relationship with the right locums staffing partner can make all the difference when supporting your staff and addressing rising patient volumes. At Hayes Locums, our APP consultants are passionate about making quality matches between advanced practice providers and facilities. If you’re ready to find out how we can support you, we’re ready to help!
