Locum Tenens and Pediatric Surgery: A Position Statement and Practice Guidelines From the American Pediatric Surgical Association
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Aodhnait S. Fahy, David A. Klima, Marcene McVay Gillam, Charles J. Aprahamian, Stephen S. Kim, Evan R. Kokoska, Erin A. Teeple, Richard G. Weiss, Mauricio A. Escobar Jr.
Abstract: The American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Practice Committee endorsed by the Board of Governors presents a Position Statement on the role of locum tenens in the practice of pediatric surgery. The Practice Committee also presents a set of guidelines for locum tenens practice. These recommendations highlight safe practice and quality care that protects the patient as well as the pediatric surgeon by offering best practice standards, defining optimal resources and establishing parameters by which hospitals and locum tenens agencies should abide. These guidelines are intended to foster discussion and contract negotiation as well as inform decision making for a) pediatric surgeons considering locum tenens opportunities, b) host organizations (hospitals and practices) seeking the coverage of a pediatric surgeon, and c) locum tenens companies vetting both surgeons and hospitals for appropriateness of such coverage. This Position Statement and foundational set of guidelines align with APSA's Vision (all children receive the highest quality surgical care) and Mission (to provide the best surgical care to our patients and families by supporting an inclusive community through education, discovery and advocacy).
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What is the role of locum tenants in pediatric surgery and what should their guidelines be? I'm Lizzie Lee from Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and this is an article you should know about. The American Pediatric Surgical Association APSA published best practices for locum tenant surgeons, hospitals, and agencies in this review article. These guidelines stress the importance of patient safety and support for surgeons. Locum tenants can help prevent burnout by offering flexible work options for a better work-life balance. However, hospitals should avoid relying solely on locum tenants, pediatric surgeons without any full-time surgeons because this may cause patients to slip through handoffs. Locum tenants agencies should sponsor CME and conduct formal exit interviews. Let us know what you think in the comments below and stay tuned for more articles that you should know about.