Imbalance between the supply and demand for cardiologists in Spain. Analysis of the current situation, future prospects, and possible solutions
De Teresa Galván, E.; Alonso-Pulpón, L.; Barber, P.; Bover Freire, R.ón.; Castro Beiras, A.; Cruz Fernández, J.é M.ía.; Fernández Avilés, F.; García de Lara, J.; González Valcárcel, B.; Martín Luengo, C.án.; Plaza Celemín, L.; del Pozo Crespo, F.; Triola Fort, M.
Revista Espanola de Cardiologia 59(7): 703-717
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-8932 PMID: 16938213 DOI: 10.1016/s1885-5857(07)60029-2Document Number: 532879
Planning cardiology provision in Spain requires knowledge of the resources available and the demand, both now and in the future. In this report, we present the results of a study carried out by the Spanish Society of Cardiology on the availability of and demand for cardiologists in the country. The current situation is characterized by an imbalance of around 14% between the number of active cardiologists and the estimated number required. The demographic distribution of cardiologists shows that they are predominantly male and middle-aged. Expectations are that the situation will get worse until the year 2020. To correct this imbalance, alternative forms of training or clinical department organization, or both, are required. Some possible alternatives are presented in the final part of this document, as proposals for open discussion.