Numerous medical assistants are absent from doctors' practices in Martha's Vineyard. - Strained Medical Staffing Plagues Health Facilities Across MV
Hey there! Let's talk about the health sector in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where doctors are finding it tough sailing due to a lack of medical assistants (MFAs). The Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (KVMV) is voicing frustration on behalf of its members.
As of mid-2021, there were 6,422 MFAs working in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern practices, according to the Association of Medical Professions (VMF). However, the number of trainees has been on a steady decline since 2021, as pointed out by VMF President Hannelore König.
Many MFAs are bailing out of the profession due to low pay, given the level of responsibility they shoulder, daily stress, and comparison with other healthcare industry jobs.
The KVMV's Grit Büttner reveals they don't have exact numbers stating how many MFA positions are vacant, but doctors are experiencing increasingly challenging recruitment processes, with the situation expected to deteriorate in the future.
The MFA shortage dominantly arises due to demographic changes, as per the KVMV. The profession continues to maintain a high esteem, but the versatility and extensive knowledge make MFAs attractive to other sectors. This directly competes with hospitals, health insurers, and service providers, placing doctor's practices at a disadvantage.
VMF President Hannelore König anticipates a worsening shortage due to the baby boomer generation retiring and the growing need to relieve doctors.
To curb this competitive distortion, it's crucial to eliminate the discrepancy between MFA salaries in clinics and doctor's practices, particularly in larger cities and areas adjacent to hospitals, advocates König.
Recent years have seen the VMF securing significant wage increases for MFAs, yet the gap in comparison to other professions remains large. The duration of MFA training is equivalent to that of nursing professionals, and they carry a similarly high level of patient responsibility, asserts König.
The KVMV largely emphasizes the need for an increase in MFA training positions and has initiated a campaign to promote MFA training. Enhanced training programs, recruitment incentives, improved work environments, international collaboration, and government support are some viable strategies to tackle the MFA shortage, albeit not specifically targeted at Mecklenburg-Vorpommern at this time.
- Doctor's Practice
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians
- Schwerin
- In an effort to address the pressing issue of MFA shortage, the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (KVMV) is advocating for enhanced vocational training programs in the field of medical-conditions, as part of their community policy, to ensure an adequate workforce for Doctor's Practices in cities like Schwerin.
- Furthermore, considering the growing need for health-and-wellness professionals in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, especially in the context of medical-conditions and science, it would be beneficial for the government to consider investing in research and development of vocational training opportunities, leading to a more skilled workforce in the health sector.
