Austria's Medical Community Warns: Approximately One-Third of Doctors in the Country Are Near Retirement
In an effort to address the perceived shortage of physicians in Austria's public healthcare system, a multi-faceted approach has been proposed. The focus lies primarily on increasing the number of doctors entering and remaining in the public system, as well as optimising the health workforce.
The current annual demand for physicians to maintain staffing levels is approximately 1,818, yet only 1,756 study places for human medicine are available nationwide[1]. This discrepancy indicates a shortfall of around 62 doctors per year. Chamber president Johannes Steinhart acknowledges that increasing study places alone may not effectively close the gap, as many well-trained physicians may choose to leave the country[2].
To retain more graduates in the public system, measures such as flexible working conditions, advancement of the electronic health record ELGA, and a quota of minimum study places across Europe have been suggested[2]. Steinhart advocates for part-time models, part-cash contracts, or job-sharing models to make the profession more appealing[2].
Optimising the health workforce by skill mix and task distribution is another key strategy. This approach involves using a broader range of healthcare professionals efficiently and adopting best practices in healthcare delivery, thereby reducing pressure on doctors by enabling non-physician providers to take on appropriate tasks[3].
Strengthening data systems for workforce planning is also crucial. By modelling supply and demand more accurately, recruitment, retention, and deployment strategies can be guided effectively[3]. The chamber of physicians has published data on physician statistics for 2024, providing insights into current issues such as the upcoming wave of physician retirements and its impact on care[4].
Involving health professionals, particularly junior doctors, in policy decisions is also essential to ensure that workforce strategies align with the needs and insights of those working in the system[3]. Although artificial intelligence is not explicitly mentioned in the Austrian context, general trends in Europe suggest that AI may also be part of future optimization efforts, with a focus on preserving human interaction and addressing organizational challenges[2].
State Secretary for Health Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig has proposed scholarships for medical students who want to become panel doctors, while chamber director Lukas Stärker calculates the actual need to be higher due to early retirement age of female physicians, trend towards part-time work among physicians, and demographically driven increase in the number of patients to be cared for[4].
Despite these proposals, the medical chamber has been criticised for merely saying no to the proposal of increasing the number of study places[1]. SPÖ health spokesman Rudolf Silvan finds it incomprehensible that the chamber categorically rejects this proposal[5]. The chamber emphasises that comparing data across countries can be misleading due to different data collection methods[6].
In the next ten years, 18,189 physicians will reach the retirement age of 65, adding to the pressure on the healthcare system[7]. Austria currently has the highest physician density (5.53 per 1,000 inhabitants)[8], but the proportion of physicians over 55 has significantly increased from 16% in 1995 to 33% today[9].
In conclusion, Austria's approach involves expanding medical education capacity, retaining more graduates in the public system, optimising workforce roles and planning, and involving health professionals in policy decisions to better address the physician shortage in the public system[1][3]. However, the debate continues, with calls for more study places and better working conditions to ensure a sustainable and effective healthcare system.
[1] Medical chamber urged to do more than just say no [2] General trends in European healthcare suggest AI may be part of future optimization efforts [3] Optimising the health workforce for a sustainable healthcare system [4] Chamber of physicians publishes data on physician statistics for 2024 [5] SPÖ health spokesman finds it incomprehensible that the medical chamber rejects proposal to increase study places [6] Chamber of physicians emphasises that comparing data across countries can be misleading [7] 18,189 physicians to reach retirement age in the next ten years [8] OECD statistics show Austria has the highest physician density [9] Proportion of physicians over 55 significantly increased
- To ensure a sustainable healthcare system, it's crucial to expand the focus on education and self-development, such as increasing medical study places and investing in modern education techniques to foster more health and wellness professionals.
- In the quest to address medical-conditions, it's essential torioritize workplace-wellness and optimize health workforce through skill mix and task distribution, enabling healthcare professionals to work collaboratively and address organizational challenges.
- Aging is a significant factor in the healthcare debate, as the rapid increase in the number of individuals reaching retirement age exacerbates the healthcare shortage. Therefore, data-driven, effective strategies for recruitment, retention, and deployment, as well as education on health and wellness, become integral to prolonging care for the aging population.
