Advanced practice providers in the infectious disease workforce: A nationwide utilization survey.

ABSTRACT

Background: Shortages of infectious disease (ID) physicians is an identified workforce problem. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this care gap, leaving many communities without access to an ID physician. More advanced practice providers (APPs), specifically nurse practitioners and physician assistants, work as healthcare extenders, yet are not well described in ID. Purpose: Evaluate collaboration between ID physicians and APPs, and potential barriers to utilization of APPs. Methods: Anonymous and voluntary surveys; one for physicians, another for APPs. We collected experience, practice setting, familiarity regarding APPs in ID, use of APPs, and perceived barriers/concerns for utilization of APPs. Discussion: Nationwide, 218 ID physicians and 93 APPs in ID responded. 71% (155) of ID physicians use APPs. Of APPs, 53% (49) had > 5 years ID experience. Responses highlighted opportunities for dedicated ID education, collaboration, and clarification of practice scope. Conclusion: APPs are an experienced group who provide ID care, working alongside physicians to meet ID workforce needs.