Survey reveals high frequency and common reasons behind hiring locum tenens

At least 75% of healthcare facility administrators report using temporary physicians, aka locum tenens, in the past 12 months, according to a survey conducted by the healthcare staffing group Staff Care. At any given time, more than 40% of administrators are seeking locum tenens, and 40% were searching for temporary physicians at the time of the survey. The survey also found that about 50% of facilities used one to three locum tenens per month, while 38% do not use them most months.

On average, locum tenens do not work more than six assignments per year, according to the study, and 58% work three assignments or fewer each year. Most administrators noted that they hire locum tenens to fill in as they seek permanent staff; the next most popular reason for hiring locum tenens was to fill in for physicians on vacation or those enrolled in continuing medical education classes. Of the locum tenens included in the survey, many indicated that flexibility and freedom drew them to take temporary work.