The limited use of non-physician providers

the long version

A significant amount of research has shown that non-physician health care providers can be cost-effectively employed in a wide variety of settings either to supplement existing physician services or to replace those which may be required by increased demands on health care facilities. However, relatively little progress has been made in terms of absolute numbers employed with respect to identified potential. This paper focuses on the way in which previous research has contributed to the problem and points out changes in research methodologies which we believe will correct these past shortcomings. (Author)