Article Summary –
Wisconsin faces a persistent shortage of nurses and doctors, exacerbated by an aging population and declining working-age residents, with predictions of a physician shortfall exceeding 3,000 by 2035 despite recent workforce growth efforts. Hospitals’ patient occupancy rates have increased beyond pre-pandemic levels due to a higher average age of the population, prompting initiatives such as a new nursing apprenticeship program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison to attract more healthcare workers. The report recommends enhancing salaries, improving access to education, and leveraging technology to reduce administrative burdens on clinicians to address the growing healthcare demands statewide.
According to an annual report by the Wisconsin Hospital Association, Wisconsin’s health care workforce struggles to meet rising demand, especially as the population over 65 grows.
“Wisconsin hospitals are making strides in filling job postings but are challenged by changing demographics that reduce the workforce while increasing health care needs,” said Ann Zenk, senior vice president at the Wisconsin Hospital Association, in a statement.
The report notes a decline in working-age residents from 2010 to 2020, while those born between 1946 and 1964, though only 18% of the population, accounted for 38% of hospital visits in 2023.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals deferred care as requested by U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, reducing inpatient and outpatient numbers to protect patients.
Patient stays surged by 2021, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, driven by the aging population. “Occupancy rates in Wisconsin’s 12,000 hospital beds are about 10% higher than before the pandemic,” the report states.
Despite efforts to boost the health care workforce, the Wisconsin Council on Medical Education and Workforce (WCMEW) forecasts a physician shortage over the next 15 years.
“With 1 in 5 Wisconsin physicians over 65 and an expected demand for 2,500 more physicians, WCMEW predicts a shortfall of over 3,000 physicians by 2035,” the report warns.
The shortage of registered nurses is pronounced despite a 10% increase from 2020 to 2022, failing to meet demand.
In an interview with the Wisconsin Examiner, Zenk highlighted a new four-year nursing apprenticeship program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, offering free degrees to current UW Health employees.
“We need more nurses,” said Rudy Jackson, UW Health’s chief nurse executive, in a statement. “We must create a supportive path for future nurses.”
To attract new health care workers, the report suggests better salaries, accessible education pathways, and improved technology use to alleviate clinicians’ workload.
Using technology can cut down on documentation time, allowing more focus on patient care.
“Wisconsin’s health care challenges impact the entire state,” said Eric Borgerding, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Hospital Association, in a post. “Immediate and sustained action is needed to minimize barriers, foster innovation, and support workforce development.”
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