Utilization of Locum Tenens in Neurosurgery

Abstract

IntroductionDespite its rising popularity, little has been described about locum tenens employment (locums) in neurosurgery. This study provides the first nationwide overview of the locums neurosurgery experience. MethodsAn anonymous online survey examined practice characteristics of respondents, extent of and satisfaction with locums, motivations for pursuing locums, case volumes, agencies used, compensation, and positive/negative aspects of experiences. Responses were collected between 11/2020-02/2021. ResultsResponse rate for the 1,852 neurosurgeons who opened the survey request was 4.9%. 36/91 respondents had previously worked locums and were commonly motivated by compensation or transitioning to new jobs or retirement. 92% of locums respondents had taken more than one position and 47% had taken more than 10. Neurosurgeons performing <200 cases/year were significantly more likely to have also worked locums than those performing >200 cases/year (41.6% locums, 12.7% non-locums, p=0.001). 69% of locums respondents earned $2000-$2999/day and 16% earned >$3500/day. Nearly 78% of locums respondents were satisfied with their experience(s) and 86% would take another future locums position. Being in practice for >15 years was significantly associated with satisfaction with locums (p=0.03). Reported flaws included unfamiliarity with hospitals, limited continuity of care, credentialing burdens, and inadequate travel compensation. ConclusionLocums is utilized by neurosurgeons across multiple practice types and may serve to complement workloads or “fill in gaps” between longer-term employment. Overall, locums neurosurgeons are well-compensated, and the majority are satisfied with their experience(s). Inevitably, flaws still exist with locums employment, which may be the focus of organized efforts aiming to improve the experience.