Locum Tenens Shifts from Emergency to Strategic Workforce Solution

The healthcare industry faces a growing crisis as physician shortages and an aging workforce make it increasingly difficult to recruit full-time doctors. In response, many organizations are turning to locum tenens professionals-temporary physicians who can fill gaps in care. A recent report from Definitive Healthcare highlights how this trend is evolving from emergency coverage to a more purposeful workforce strategy.

Definitive Healthcare, a data and analytics company, used a proprietary algorithm based on billing activity and affiliations data to infer that the number of locum tenens professionals has grown by over 23% since 2022. The report, titled "2026 Providers: Industry Pulse," draws insights from both internal and third-party research to identify key shifts in the healthcare workforce.

Contingent Staffing Becomes Structural

One of the most significant findings is that contingent staffing-using temporary or contract workers-is becoming a structural part of healthcare organizations. Shortages in primary and specialty care physicians, combined with an aging physician demographic, are making it more challenging to recruit full-time staff. This has led many organizations to adopt locum tenens coverage as a long-term solution.

The report recommends that healthcare leaders examine their organizational structures, clinical workflows, and budgets to identify areas where locum tenens professionals can deliver the most value. By integrating these temporary workers into their staffing plans, organizations can ensure continuous care delivery while addressing immediate workforce needs.

Advanced practice providers (APPs) are also emerging as a critical component of the healthcare workforce. According to the report, APPs have seen significant growth, representing an increasing share of employed clinicians. From 2021 to 2025, the number of APPs grew by 71% across all categories tracked by Definitive Healthcare. Certified clinical nurse specialists saw a modest 7% growth, while nonphysician practitioners, including certified nurse-midwives and certified registered nurse anesthetists, experienced a staggering 139% increase.

Why It Matters

The shift towards locum tenens and the growing role of APPs have significant implications for both patients and healthcare providers. For patients, this means more consistent access to care as temporary professionals help bridge gaps in staffing. For healthcare organizations, it provides a flexible solution to manage workforce shortages and maintain service levels.

However, these changes also come with challenges. The integration of locum tenens professionals requires careful planning to ensure seamless transitions and maintain the quality of care. There is a need for ongoing training and support to help temporary staff adapt to different organizational cultures and patient needs.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, organizations must stay adaptable and innovative in their staffing strategies. By embracing locum tenens and leveraging the skills of APPs, they can better meet the needs of their communities and ensure sustainable care delivery.