Demographics, clinical practice patterns, and concerns of physiatrists in the State of Hawai'i: 2011

Background: Although the State of Hawai'i overall may have an adequate number of physiatrists, there are physiatrist shortages on the neighbor islands. This study describes the demographics, practice type, and most important concerns of current practicing physiatrists within the state of Hawai'i.

Methods: A phone survey was conducted of 44 actively practicing Hawai'i physiatrists. Eligible participants were members of either the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR) or the Hawai'i Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Results: Thirty-six of 44 local physiatrists responded to the survey. Thirty-two of the thirty-six (89%) respondents were currently practicing on O'ahu, nine (25% of respondents) completed medical school at University of Hawai'i, 19 (58% of respondents) were not planning on recruiting in their practice for at least five years and the physiatrists' most common concerns included poor reimbursement, practice management problems, and high workload.

Discussion: Further recruitment efforts should be tailored to attracting physiatrists to our neighbor islands. Increasing reimbursement, addressing hospital administration issues, developing a musculoskeletal fellowship program, and increasing incentives to practice on neighbor islands are proposed changes that would directly address the concerns of Hawai'i's physiatrists.