CHEST Guidelines-Inadequacy-of-Current-Solutions-to-Address-Provide

Inadequacy-of-Current-Solutions-to-Address-Provide

Pdf Summary

The editorial by Dennis Hwang, MD, and Rosa R. Woodrum, RRT, addresses the inadequacies of current solutions for the physician shortage in areas like pulmonary and sleep medicine. The United States faces a critical shortage of healthcare providers, exacerbated by geographical clustering, inefficiencies in care delivery, and inadequate training for new practitioners. Traditional solutions, like redistributing resources or increasing the number of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, merely shift responsibilities without resolving the fundamental issue. <br /><br />The editorial suggests a more innovative approach with three primary strategies: expanding the role of Alternative Care Providers (ACPs), empowering patients, and leveraging technology. ACPs, including respiratory therapists, could take on more clinical responsibilities under physician supervision, thus broadening the "physician extender" role. Patient empowerment involves equipping individuals with technology and support systems to manage their own health proactively. Technology plays a crucial role in facilitating these changes, offering solutions like automated patient engagement, remote monitoring, population management dashboards, and machine learning decision tools. These technological advancements can enhance patient care and alleviate the workload on physicians.<br /><br />The authors argue for a transformation in healthcare paradigms, advocating for a shift from fee-for-service to outcomes-based models and integrated care systems focusing on teamwork and technology. This shift could help combat physician burnout and improve healthcare delivery. While these proposals need further research and validation, they offer a path forward for addressing the shortages effectively. The pulmonary and sleep medicine fields could lead in implementing these innovations, given their reliance on technologies and established Alternative Care Providers like respiratory therapists.

Keywords

physician shortage

pulmonary medicine

sleep medicine

Alternative Care Providers

patient empowerment

healthcare technology

outcomes-based models

integrated care systems

physician burnout

respiratory therapists