From Full-Time to Flexi: Examining the Outcomes of Workforce Changes in Primary Healthcare Delivery

Information Systems and Operations Management

Speaker: Michael Freeman (INSEAD)

Room Bernard Ramanantsoa 

Abstract

Primary care practices globally are witnessing an evident shift from traditional full-time roles to an increased prevalence of part-time and locum positions. This transformation necessitates a thorough understanding of its implications on primary healthcare delivery. This research undertakes a comprehensive empirical analysis to decode the work patterns of primary care practitioners, emphasizing the increasing inclination towards part-time and locum roles, and its subsequent impact on healthcare outcomes. Key metrics investigated include work volume, consistency and predictability of work patterns, and daily concentration of consultations. A sub-group bifurcation is employed to compare full-timers with their less than full-time counterparts, assessing their differential impact on patient outcomes such as prescription rate, referral rate, and emergency department visit probabilities. Through this investigation, we aim to bolster the discourse on effective workforce strategies, thereby optimizing healthcare delivery and elevating patient outcomes in primary care.