In terms of health outcomes it has been suggested that the number of physicians per capita in OECD countries is inversely associated with avoidable mortality.1 Physician shortages have also reportedly led to decreased health outcomes in areas such as: heart disease; stroke; infant mortality; low birth weight and life expectancy.
Research conducted in Florida found that incidence and mortality of certain cancers are increased in areas with physician shortages, and early detection of cancer is decreased. 2 The study also looked at the specific rate of primary care physicians and its relation to the incidence of cancer. Associations have been found between primary care physician supply and earlier detection of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and malignant melanoma. It was suggested that increasing supplies of primary care physicians may be associated with reduced incidence and mortality for some cancers. Campbell et al (2003) reported that an increase in the supply of family physicians was associated with a consequent drop in cervical cancer incidence rate and a corresponding drop in mortality rate.3
1 S. Simoens & J. Hurst, “The Supply of Physician Services in OECD Countries”, OECD HEALTH WORKING PAPERS NO. 21, DELSA/HEA/WD/HWP(2006)1
2 R. G. Roetzheim, ; E. C. Gonzalez; A. Ramirez; R. Campbell; D. J. Van Durme ; “Primary Care Physician Supply and Colorectal Cancer” MD Journal of Family Practice, Vol. 50, No. 12, 2001.
3 R. J Campbel; A. M Ramirez; K. Perez; R. G. Roetzheim, “Cervical Cancer rates and the supply of primary care physicians in Florida” Health Services Research, Family Medicine, January 2003