DHHS, Health Resources and Services Administration

This report, prepared by The Lewin Group for HRSA, analyzes the health workforce implications of a growing and aging population that is also becoming more racially and ethnically diversity. In addition to an extensive literature review, the report presents findings from The Physician Aggregate Requirements Model (PARM) quantifying the expected increase in percentage of physicians' time spent treating elderly and minority patients. These findings have implications for the types of work physicians will be providing in future years (e.g., relatively more cardiology and less pediatric work), and the increased importance of providing culturally competent care as minorities become a larger share of total patients. At the same time that the U.S. population is aging and demanding more healthcare services, the health workforce is aging with significant numbers of physicians and nurses nearing traditional retirement age. The aging population and other societal trends have implications for where patients will receive healthcare services--such as a greater reliance on professional nursing and less reliance on informal care provided by family members.

"Throughout the engagement, Lewin consultants listened to us and delivered superb analyses and thoughtful guidance–not canned solutions."  NONPROFIT HEALTH SYSTEM