The Covid-19 pandemic prompted 33% of healthcare professionals to consider locum tenens work, according to a poll by locum tenens staffing provider Barton Associates.

The poll includes responses from 390 physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dentists and certified registered nurse anesthetists. This included providers working in permanent, locum tenens, per-diem positions, and those retired and unemployed.

While 9% of healthcare providers said the pandemic directly influenced their consideration of locum work, another 24% said it increased their willingness to do so.

Among those whose decision was influenced by the pandemic, more than half, or 55%, cited flexibility to work in different locations as a main motivator.

Other motivators included:

• Higher compensation rates during the pandemic, 49%
• Increased demand for healthcare professionals, 48%
• Ability to choose assignments and control schedule, 46%

The survey took place from July 28 to Aug. 5.