While the overall number of physicians in Nebraska has increased 11 percent during the past decade, 13 counties in the state still do not possess any primary care physicians, according to a recent report released by the Omaha-based University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The 64-page report, titled "The Status of the Healthcare Workforce in the State of Nebraska," examines the state's healthcare workforce and represents the first comprehensive analysis of its kind since 2009. Researchers used data provided by the University of Nebraska Medical Center Health Professions Tracking Service and State of Nebraska licensure data to characterize the distribution and demographic profile of physicians, pharmacists, nurses and allied healthcare professionals statewide.
Here are six key findings from the report.
1. The number of RNs in the state increased 61 percent during a 10-year period, from 17,335 nurses to 27,922.
2. The state maintains 1,400 paramedics — a 70 percent increase from more than 10 years ago.
3. In Nebraska, there are 253 physicians per 100,000 population, an 11 percent increase during the past decade. However, 13 of 93 counties in the state do not possess a primary care physician.
4. Roughly 1 in 5 physicians in the state are over 60 years old and likely to retire in the near future.
5. Eighteen of the state's 93 counties do not possess a pharmacist.
6. Based on the findings, researchers issued several recommendations to improve patients' access to physicians and physician retention statewide. Among those recommendations are to support existing pipeline programs and educational initiatives that incentivize healthcare professionals to practice in rural communities, and to subsidize technology infrastructure and the adoption of telehealth programs to deliver care to patients in rural areas.
"Some programs have helped increase the number of rural health professionals, but there still exist substantial recruiting challenges to bolstering the health workforce and access to healthcare in rural and underserved areas," said Fernando Wilson, PhD, associate professor at UNMC College of Public Health, acting director of the UNMC Center for Health Policy and lead author of the report.
To access the report, click here.