The oncology field is facing significant staffing shortages and the need for cancer care continues to grow. To address these challenges, hospital recruiters must work to maintain consistent care while expanding treatment options. This can be accomplished by implementing flexible staffing models in their facilities.
Staffing shortages are having a major impact on patient care—especially in rural communities
The shortage of oncologists is hitting at a time when demand for cancer care is on the rise. A 2009 study by the National Cancer Institute predicted that demand for oncology services would increase by nearly 55% by the 2020s, outpacing the number of oncologists. While this research is older, subsequent studies have continued to confirm the trend of growing demand for oncology services.
Facilities in rural communities are experiencing the shortage on an even larger scale. 66% of rural counties have no oncologist on staff, which makes it extremely difficult for patients in these communities to access care. This has a huge impact on health outcomes for the over 32 million patients living in communities without a regular oncologist. Despite having fewer new cancer cases, the cancer death rate is significantly higher in rural areas than in urban areas.
It’s important for hospitals to explore new strategies to keep their facilities adequately staffed and meet the needs of their patients.
The impact of oncologist shortages on physicians
Patients aren’t the only ones impacted by the oncologist shortage—physicians are struggling from the effects of these shortages as well. In a recent study by the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), nearly 60% of oncologists reported symptoms of burnout.
When it comes to the factors driving burnout, one of the top areas of concern cited by oncologists is inadequate staffing levels. When there aren’t enough staff to cover a hospital’s needs, oncologists are left to pick up the pieces by taking on more patients—which eventually leads to burnout. This impacts the rest of the medical team as well: without an adequate number of general oncologists, it is unlikely that hospitals will be able to attract specialists like radiology and hematology oncologists.
The oncology shortage, combined with the increased need for care, is creating unique challenges for hospitals trying to maintain consistent care for at-risk patient populations.
How locum tenens can help negate the impacts of oncology shortages
While facilities are facing the impact of the oncology shortage, there are strategies recruiters can use to make sure their hospital has the coverage it needs. Locum tenens physicians can bridge gaps in staffing, ensuring your facility remains fully operational and cancer patients continue receiving care while you search for a permanent provider.
Oncology locum providers can offer essential support to your full-time staff by taking on part of the patient workload or providing temporary help in subspecialties like radiation and hematology, helping to prevent burnout among your permanent team members.
Locum tenens can make a difference by helping facilities provide consistent patient care instead of struggling with patient waitlists and staff turnover.
To make sure your oncology department can run effectively and efficiently, communicate your specific needs to your locum tenens consultant. A good consultant will take the time to get to know you, your hospital, and your patient demographic in order to provide the right recommendation for your unique circumstances.
The future of oncology care doesn’t have to be defined by shortages and burnout. With locum tenens, your facility can build a resilient staffing model that will protect your permanent team while expanding your ability to provide consistent, quality care to your patients.
