Survey: Use of locums is increasing

More new physicians entering the workforce are opting for jobs as locum tenens in hospitals, physician practices, and other provider sites, according to the 12th annual Survey of Temporary Physician Staffing Trends. Staff Care, a healthcare temporary staffing firm based in Irving, Texas, polled 2,087 locum tenens physicians in 2014 and found that 21% began temp work immediately after finishing their medical training. That’s up from 16% in 2013 and 14% in 2012. This year, for the third time, nurse practitioners and physician assistants were included in the survey.

According to the survey:

• 91% of healthcare facility managers surveyed reported they used locum tenens physicians sometime in 2014. This is up from 90% last year, up from 73.6% the year before that, and the highest number Staff Care has recorded in any of its annual surveys.

• 42% of healthcare facility managers said they now are seeking locum tenens physicians. This is up from 39% last year, up from 32% the year before that and the highest number Staff Care has recorded in any of its annual surveys.

Source: Staff Care