Would a Nursing Home Physician Specialty Resolve the Workforce Crisis in Long-Term Care?

Abstract

Letters15 September 2009Would a Nursing Home Physician Specialty Resolve the Workforce Crisis in Long-Term Care?Paul R. Katz, MD, Jurgis Karuza, PhD, and Vincent Mor, PhDPaul R. Katz, MDFrom University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester NY, 14620, and Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI 02912.Search for more papers by this author, Jurgis Karuza, PhDFrom University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester NY, 14620, and Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI 02912.Search for more papers by this author, and Vincent Mor, PhDFrom University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester NY, 14620, and Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI 02912.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-151-6-200909150-00015 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail IN RESPONSE:Although the authors of these letters seem to agree about the need for physicians with the knowledge and skill set unique to nursing home care, they each describe several challenges, including the complex organizational, quality improvement, team management, and regulatory interface that is required.Dr. Phillips and Dr. Villa note that the industry must take a central role in defining the priorities for medical practice. A first step is establishing quality metrics, such as preventing rehospitalization and assuring seamless care transitions. As Dr. Phillips suggests, full system reform will take decades to implement. Still, these new metrics can ...