SCCM Resource Library-SCCM Critical Care Workforce Update 2023

Pdf Summary

The Fall 2023 issue of CriticalConnections sheds light on the evolving landscape of critical care practices, with an emphasis on a multiprofessional team approach. As a follow-up to the 2019 workforce report by the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), this issue explores the emerging challenges and changes in the critical care workforce post-COVID-19 pandemic, including the development and expansion of critical care training across various professions such as physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), pharmacists, and respiratory therapists (RTs).<br /><br />Critical care medicine is seeing growth in graduate medical education, with more programs offering training positions and an increase in stand-alone training programs. Data show a steady applicant-to-position ratio, indicating consistent interest in the field. Additionally, from 2020 to 2022, the number of critical care physicians rose, though there is still a significant demand for more practitioners, especially considering the aging population.<br /><br />Critical care pharmacy programs have expanded as well. The ASHP Resident Matching Program reports growth in PGY2 positions since 2019. Despite growth, the number of certified critical care pharmacists remains on the lower end when compared to the number of ICU beds available in the U.S., pointing to a need for more residencies and better compensation for services.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the advanced practice programs for nurse practitioners and physician assistants are reportedly growing as institutions attempt to bridge educational gaps and meet increasing demand. Growth in nursing and nurse residency programs is also progressing to help new graduates transition smoothly into medical environments.<br /><br />Respiratory therapy, however, faces challenges with a significant decline in practitioners due to retirement and burnout, exacerbated by the pandemic. The shortage is compounded by declining enrollment in respiratory therapy programs, emphasizing a need for technological advancements and innovation in care procedures.<br /><br />The pandemic has significantly impacted the critical care workforce, with shortages, burnout, and practitioner attrition becoming pressing issues. High turnover among health professionals highlights the urgent need for strategies that support well-being and resilience among critical care providers to ensure a capable and sustainable workforce in the future.

Asset Subtitle

Professional Development and Education, Administration, 2023, 0:17:23

Asset Caption

"This article was first published in the Fall 2023 issue of Critical Connections.

The landscape of critical care practice continues to change, but the multiprofessional team approach remains the foundation of delivering high-quality critical care medicine. As an update to a workforce report published in Critical Connections in 2019, three committees from the Society of Critical Care Medicine evaluated the field’s continued emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the critical care workforce, and pitfalls exposed by the pandemic.

Critical Connections, the critical care industry’s only newsmagazine, provides information on cutting-edge topics in critical care useful to the entire multiprofessional team."

Meta Tag

Content Type Article

Knowledge Area Professional Development and Education

Knowledge Area Administration

Membership Level Associate

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Select

Tag Healthcare Delivery

Tag Administration

Year 2023

Keywords

critical care

multiprofessional team

workforce challenges

COVID-19 impact

graduate medical education

critical care pharmacy

advanced practice providers

respiratory therapy

burnout

workforce resilience

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