Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between problems in anesthesia care delivery and the availability and utilization of trained anesthesia manpower. The 1972 and 1980 projected supply and mix of anesthesiologists and nurse anesthestists is described and compared to the current and projected need for their services. The need estimates developed for anesthesia manpower are based upon published data on operations, productivity and theoretical team configurations. Utilization data are used since they are quantifiable and the need for anesthesia services is, indeed, supply-induced. Two estimates of need are developed based upon differing degrees to which anesthesia teams can be effectively employed, this being contingent upon the size of the hospital operative workload. While the need estimates developed for anesthesiologists for 1972 and 1980 were fairly close in aggregate number to the actual and projected supply; the need estimates for nurse anesthetists fell far short of their 1972 and 1980 projected supply. The 1972 need estimates are then compared on a statewide basis to the actual supply and mix of anesthesia personnel to reveal a severe maldistribution which is quantified in terms of shortage and execesses of anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists for each state.