(ASQ: Milwaukee) -- More fragmented and uncoordinated health care may be on the horizon, thanks to a growing shortage of U.S. health care workers. That’s the message from a new poll of health care quality experts conducted by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the world’s largest network of quality resources and experts.

Poll respondents indicate the biggest quality issues patients will face in light of a staffing shortage are:
• Spotty care
• Longer waits for primary-care physician appointments
• Medical errors

The online poll was conducted with 475 U.S. health-care quality professionals who are part of the ASQ quality community. According to the poll, 44 percent of respondents say health care quality will be most affected by shortages of primary care physicians; 27 percent say health care will be most affected shortages of nurses and nursing assistants. Shortages of laboratory professionals were also mentioned as an area of concern.

The U.S.

 …