Anesthesia Access: Care Teams & Health System Culture | Becker’s Hospital Review
- Hospitals nationwide are grappling with persistent anesthesiologist shortages, a problem expected to worsen.
- During a recent Becker’s Healthcare virtual conference, Shannon Peterson of The doctor healthcare solutions led a panel discussion on this critical issue.
- The discussion highlighted how market disruptions in anesthesia services are limiting patient access to care.
Hospitals face a growing crisis: widespread anesthesiologist shortages threatening patient care. By 2037,the U.S. could be short nearly 8,500 anesthesiologists. This article examines how care team models, incorporating CRNAs and AAs, offer a practical solution to staffing gaps. Learn how leading health systems like Salem Health effectively deploy these strategies. Crucially, successful implementation requires strategic change management, including open interaction and administrative backing, overcoming skepticism. Moreover, understand the vital impact of organizational culture on recruitment and retention within anesthesia departments. News Directory 3 reported the insights shared during a recent Becker’s Healthcare virtual conference. Discover what’s next for these innovative approaches.
Addressing the Anesthesia Shortage: Care Teams and Stability
Updated May 30, 2025
Hospitals nationwide are grappling with persistent anesthesiologist shortages, a problem expected to worsen. By 2037, the U.S. could face a deficit of 8,450 anesthesiologists, prompting healthcare leaders to seek strategies for stabilizing their anesthesia programs amid rising demand.
During a recent Becker’s Healthcare virtual conference, Shannon Peterson of The doctor healthcare solutions led a panel discussion on this critical issue. Panelists included Dr. Matthew Boles from Salem Health, Dr. Daniel Fagin of Endeavor Health, and Dr. Daniel Roke from Saint Louis university.
The discussion highlighted how market disruptions in anesthesia services are limiting patient access to care. hospital consolidation can displace private practice anesthesia groups, exacerbating staff shortages. Dr. Boles noted that some oregon health systems have reduced procedural volume by 50% due to these shortages, impacting patients with serious conditions.
Care team models, incorporating certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs), and anesthesiologist assistants (AAs), are emerging as a viable solution. Dr. Roke emphasized the importance of recognizing the expertise these professionals bring to the team. Endeavor Health and Saint Louis University have developed SRNA and AA training programs, respectively, to bolster the talent pipeline.
Successfully implementing care team models requires intentional change management. Dr. Fagin noted that skepticism is common, with some believing non-MD staff provide inferior care. Communication, education, and administrative support are essential to overcoming this resistance. Both Endeavor Health and salem Health held town halls to introduce the care team model gradually.
Organizational culture plays a vital role in attracting and retaining anesthesiologists. Salem health involved its new employee group in setting the institution’s mission and vision. They also capped weekly work hours to promote work-life balance.
What’s next
Healthcare organizations must prioritize innovative approaches, such as care team models and proactive change management, to navigate the ongoing anesthesia shortage and ensure continued access to quality patient care.