Building the Pediatric Practice

Overview

This report highlights the challenges of staffing in pediatric practices, emphasizing the importance of hiring for attitude and investing in training. With staffing shortages projected to worsen, practices that prioritize team stability and training can achieve significantly higher patient satisfaction.

Background

Staffing shortages in healthcare, particularly in pediatrics, are a growing concern, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 10% growth in optometry support roles through 2032. The high burnout rate among healthcare workers further complicates recruitment and retention efforts. Practices with well-trained teams report better patient satisfaction and revenue retention, underscoring the need for effective staffing strategies.

Data Highlights

Practices with stable, well-trained teams see 23% higher patient satisfaction scores and 18% better revenue retention.

Key Findings

• 67% of optometry practice owners reported staffing as their biggest operational challenge in 2025.
• Employees are 58% more likely to remain with an employer after 3 years if they undergo a well-structured onboarding process.
• Effective communication, patience, empathy, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills are critical qualities for staff working with children.
• Practices that invest in training from day one can enhance team stability and performance.
• Staff burnout in healthcare is reported at 2.5 times the rate of other industries.

Clinical Implications

Practices should focus on hiring individuals with the right soft skills and personality traits for working with children. Continuous training and development from the start of employment can improve staff retention and patient care quality.

Conclusion

Addressing staffing challenges in pediatric practices requires a strategic approach to hiring and training, which can lead to improved patient satisfaction and operational success.

Related Resources & Content

1. Optometric Management, 2018 -- Lessons from Practice: Embrace Pediatrics
2. ADA News, 2022 -- 10 Under 10: New dentist carves path to pediatric practice, charitable mobile unit
3. Optometric Management, 2025 -- Facilitating the Pediatric Exam
4. Ophthalmology Management — Starting a Practice, With a Little Help Recommendations
5. Workforce Projections
6. Job openings rate 2.3 percent in wholesale trade, 5.5 percent in accommodation and food services
7. Federal Funding Gaps Leave Children Waiting for Specialty Care
8. ABP revises essential tasks for pediatricians | AAP News | American Academy of Pediatrics
9. Nonemergency Acute Care Delivered Outside of the Medical Home: Policy Statement | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
10. Pediatric Readiness in the Emergency Department: Technical Report | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
11. Team-Based Care in the Pediatric Office
12. TeamSTEPPS | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
13. Pediatric Critical Care Staffing Standards Published - AACN
14. Collaborative Model of Care for Children With Medical Complexity: A Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed
15. Promoting Optimal Development: Screening for Mental Health, Emotional, and Behavioral Problems: Clinical Report | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics