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Background: As the second most populous country in the world, China has a huge demand for health human resources. Over the past decade, the Chinese government has continuously increased investment in the health sector and implemented relevant policies and systems in an attempt to enhance the overall quantity and equity of health human resources. This study aims to analyze the equity and developmental trends in the allocation of health human resources in China from 2012 to 2021, providing reference and theoretical support for the government's further optimization of health human resources allocation. Methods: This study collected health human resources data from 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China from 2012 to 2021. The methods employed included Lorenz curves, Gini coefficients, and agglomeration degree analysis, which examined the developmental trends and equity of health human resources from the perspectives of population and geographical. Results: This study found that over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the total quantity of health human resources in China, accompanied by an improvement in equity, although disparities still exist. There are notable variations in the distribution of health human resources based on geographical area, with disparities between different regions. Relative shortages of health human resources are observed in western regions, while some areas in the eastern and central regions exhibit an abundance or surplus of health human resources. Conclusion: Overall, health human resources in China have experienced stable development, with an incremental improvement in allocation equity, yet there remains considerable room for progress. It is imperative to continue strengthening policy guidance and regulation to facilitate the rational flow of health human resources, narrow regional disparities, and achieve the goal of universal health coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ensuring that the scale and hierarchical structure of health human resources are rational, and that medical services are efficient and fair, is an important task of practical significance. On this basis, examining the impact of health human resources on the level of medical services presents a new and formidable challenge. This study aims to delve into how the scale and hierarchical structure of health human resources in China's four major economic regions affect the fairness and efficiency of medical services, and to identify optimization strategies. Methods: This study utilizes provincial panel data from China's four major economic regions spanning the years 2009 to 2021. Initially, it provides a statistical description of the current state of health human resources and the level of medical services. Subsequently, it employs a fixed-effects model to analyze the impact of the scale and hierarchical structure of health human resources, as well as their interactive effects, on the fairness and efficiency of medical services, and discusses the interactive mechanisms between medical service fairness and medical service efficiency. Furthermore, after conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the level of medical services using the entropy weight method, it explores the regional heterogeneity and temporal dynamics in the influence of the scale and hierarchical structure of health human resources on the level of medical services. Finally, the study examines the scientific validity and rationality of the research findings through various robustness checks, including the substitution of research variables and models. Results: The study found that the scale of health human resources has a promoting effect on the equity of medical services (β ≤ 0.643, p ≤ 0.01), but exhibits an inhibitory effect on the efficiency of medical services (β ≥ -0.079, p ≤ 0.1); the hierarchical structure of health human resources shows a positive impact on both the equity and efficiency of medical services (βequity ≤ 0.160, p ≤ 0.01; βefficiency ≤ 0.341, p ≤ 0.05); at the same time, the results indicate that the interactive effect of the scale and hierarchical structure of health human resources promotes equity in medical services (β = 0.067, p ≤ 0.01), but restricts the efficiency of medical services (β ≥ -0.039, p ≤ 0.01); the mechanism by which health human resources affect the level of medical services in China's western and northeastern regions is more pronounced than in the central and eastern regions; after the implementation of the "Healthy China 2030" Planning Outline, the role of health human resources in the level of medical services has been strengthened; in the robustness tests, the model remains robust after replacing the core explanatory variables, with R2 maintained between 0.869 and 0.972, and the dynamic GMM model test shows a significant second-order lag in the level of medical services (βequity ≤ 0.149, p ≤ 0.01; βefficiency ≤ 0.461, p ≤ 0.01); the channel test results prove that managerial personnel and other technical personnel are key pathways in regulating the impact of medical staff on the level of medical services. Conclusion: This study provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of health human resources on the level of medical services, revealing that both the scale and hierarchical structure of health human resources significantly affect the equity and efficiency of medical services. Furthermore, the influence of health human resources on the level of medical services exhibits regional heterogeneity and temporal characteristics. Robustness tests ensure the scientific validity and robustness of the research conclusions. This provides effective references for optimizing the allocation of health human resources and improving the level of medical services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background As the second most populous country in the world, China has a huge demand for health human resources. Over the past decade, the Chinese government has continuously increased investment in the health sector and implemented relevant policies and systems in an attempt to enhance the overall quantity and equity of health human resources. This study aims to analyze the equity and developmental trends in the allocation of health human resources in China from 2012 to 2021, providing reference and theoretical support for the government’s further optimization of health human resources allocation. Methods This study collected health human resources data from 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China from 2012 to 2021. The methods employed included Lorenz curves, Gini coefficients, and agglomeration degree analysis, which examined the developmental trends and equity of health human resources from the perspectives of population and geographical. Results This study found that over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the total quantity of health human resources in China, accompanied by an improvement in equity, although disparities still exist. There are notable variations in the distribution of health human resources based on geographical area, with disparities between different regions. Relative shortages of health human resources are observed in western regions, while some areas in the eastern and central regions exhibit an abundance or surplus of health human resources. Conclusion Overall, health human resources in China have experienced stable development, with an incremental improvement in allocation equity, yet there remains considerable room for progress. It is imperative to continue strengthening policy guidance and regulation to facilitate the rational flow of health human resources, narrow regional disparities, and achieve the goal of universal health coverage.

Abstract Background Ensuring that the scale and hierarchical structure of health human resources are rational, and that medical services are efficient and fair, is an important task of practical significance. On this basis, examining the impact of health human resources on the level of medical services presents a new and formidable challenge. This study aims to delve into how the scale and hierarchical structure of health human resources in China’s four major economic regions affect the fairness and efficiency of medical services, and to identify optimization strategies. Methods This study utilizes provincial panel data from China’s four major economic regions spanning the years 2009 to 2021. Initially, it provides a statistical description of the current state of health human resources and the level of medical services. Subsequently, it employs a fixed-effects model to analyze the impact of the scale and hierarchical structure of health human resources, as well as their interactive effects, on the fairness and efficiency of medical services, and discusses the interactive mechanisms between medical service fairness and medical service efficiency. Furthermore, after conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the level of medical services using the entropy weight method, it explores the regional heterogeneity and temporal dynamics in the influence of the scale and hierarchical structure of health human resources on the level of medical services. Finally, the study examines the scientific validity and rationality of the research findings through various robustness checks, including the substitution of research variables and models. Results The study found that the scale of health human resources has a promoting effect on the equity of medical services (β ≤ 0.643, p ≤ 0.01), but exhibits an inhibitory effect on the efficiency of medical services (β ≥ -0.079, p ≤ 0.1); the hierarchical structure of health human resources shows a positive impact on both the equity and efficiency of medical services (βequity ≤ 0.160, p ≤ 0.01; βefficiency ≤ 0.341, p ≤ 0.05); at the same time, the results indicate that the interactive effect of the scale and hierarchical structure of health human resources promotes equity in medical services (β = 0.067, p ≤ 0.01), but restricts the efficiency of medical services (β ≥ -0.039, p ≤ 0.01); the mechanism by which health human resources affect the level of medical services in China’s western and northeastern regions is more pronounced than in the central and eastern regions; after the implementation of the “Healthy China 2030” Planning Outline, the role of health human resources in the level of medical services has been strengthened; in the robustness tests, the model remains robust after replacing the core explanatory variables, with R2 maintained between 0.869 and 0.972, and the dynamic GMM model test shows a significant second-order lag in the level of medical services (βequity ≤ 0.149, p ≤ 0.01; βefficiency ≤ 0.461, p ≤ 0.01); the channel test results prove that managerial personnel and other technical personnel are key pathways in regulating the impact of medical staff on the level of medical services. Conclusion This study provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of health human resources on the level of medical services, revealing that both the scale and hierarchical structure of health human resources significantly affect the equity and efficiency of medical services. Furthermore, the influence of health human resources on the level of medical services exhibits regional heterogeneity and temporal characteristics. Robustness tests ensure the scientific validity and robustness of the research conclusions. This provides effective references for optimizing the allocation of health human resources and improving the level of medical services.

Abstract Background Efficient planning of the oral health workforce in Primary Health Care (PHC) is paramount to ensure equitable community access to services. This requires a meticulous examination of the population’s needs, strategic distribution of oral health professionals, and effective human resource management. In this context, the average time spent on care to meet the needs of users/families/communities is the central variable in healthcare professional workforce planning methods. However, many time measures are solely based on professional judgment or experience. Objective Calculate the average time parameters for the activities carried out by the oral health team in primary health care. Method This is a descriptive observational study using the time-motion method carried out in five Primary Health Care Units in the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Direct and continuous observation of oral health team members occurred for 40 h spread over five days of a typical work week. Results A total of 696.05 h of observation were conducted with 12 Dentists, three Oral Health Assistants, and five Oral Health Technicians. The Dentists’ main activity was consultation with an average duration of 24.39 min, which took up 42.36% of their working time, followed by documentation with 12.15%. Oral Health Assistants spent 31.57% of their time on infection control, while Oral Health Technicians spent 22.37% on documentation. Conclusion The study establishes time standards for the activities performed by the dental care team and provides support for the application of workforce planning methods that allow for review and optimization of the work process and public policies.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on nurses' well-being and desire to practice; however, the experience of Canadian home and community care nurses remains less well understood. As the health human resources crisis in this sector persists, understanding these nurses' experiences may be vital in creating more effective retention strategies. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the working experiences, motivations, and attitudes of home and community care nurses in the Greater Toronto Area. Methods: Using an exploratory, descriptive, qualitative approach, 16 home and community care nurses participated in semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using collaborative thematic analysis. Participants shared their reflections on work by detailing their experiences prepandemic, during crisis, transitioning out of crisis, and regarding pandemic recovery. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic inadequate staffing resources during and beyond the crisis period disrupted many desirable facets of work for home and community care nurses such as stable, balanced, and flexible work conditions, and exacerbated the unfavorable aspects such as isolation and inconsistent support. Many nurses were reevaluating their careers: for some, this meant stronger professional attachment and for others, it meant intentions to leave. Improved sector preparedness, wages, and workplace support were identified as strategies to sustain this workforce beyond the pandemic. Conclusion: Home care organizations must consider ways to address the root cause of concerns expressed by nurses who wish to practice in a supportive environment that is sufficiently staffed and sensitive to workload expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's digital era, maintaining the confidentiality and security of information systems is a challenge in itself. The industry, especially healthcare, is currently making large investments in information technology. There are still many cases that occur in the field, especially related to the behavior of health information users. Medical personnel are one of the major factors in security incidents that occur in health services. Currently, there is not much discussion about individual factors that affect information system security awareness behavior, especially in health services. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to provide a review of information system security awareness behavior in health human resources (HR) in health services, collect methods and determinants that can improve awareness behavior. The quantitative research method presented in the form of a Narrative Litterature Review, was taken from scientific journals for review. The results of the study show the influence of the training that has been given to medical personnel, the length of work experience and the applicable rules and penalties in health services on the security behavior of information systems in health human resources in health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A robust workforce of locum tenens (LT) physicians is imperative for health service stability. A systematic review was conducted to synthesize current evidence on the strategies used to facilitate the recruitment and retention of LT physicians. English articles up to October 2023 across five databases were sourced. Original studies focusing on recruitment and retention of LT’s were included. An inductive content analysis was performed to identify strategies used to facilitate LT recruitment and retention. A separate grey literature review was conducted from June–July 2023. 12 studies were retained. Over half (58%) of studies were conducted in North America. Main strategies for facilitating LT recruitment and retention included financial incentives (83%), education and career factors (67%), personal facilitators (67%), clinical support and mentorship (33%), and familial considerations (25%). Identified subthemes were desire for flexible contracts (58%), increased income (33%), practice scouting (33%), and transitional employment needs (33%). Most (67%) studies reported deterrents to locum work, with professional isolation (42%) as the primary deterrent-related subtheme. Grey literature suggested national physician licensure could enhance license portability, thereby increasing the mobility of physicians across regions. Organizations employ five main LT recruitment facilitators and operationalize these in a variety of ways. Though these may be incumbent on local resources, the effectiveness of these approaches has not been evaluated. Consequently, future research should assess LT the efficacy of recruitment and retention facilitators. Notably, the majority of identified LT deterrents may be mitigated by modifying contextual factors such as improved onboarding practices.

Background Emigration of health workers has emerged as a significant obstacle in Iran, compelling policymakers to implement a diverse range of interventions and reforms to enhance healthcare services. It is imperative to comprehend the efficacy of emigration control interventions. To explore the intricate dynamics of elite emigration, this study employs a system dynamics modeling approach. The objective is to scrutinize Iranian health workers’ emigration, examine the relationships, and evaluate the impact of various factors involved. Objectives The general purpose of this study is to analyze the policy interventions affecting the emigration of human resources in the field of health in Iran based on the system’s dynamic approach. Method The research consists of four phases including analyzing the emigration status of health workers in developing countries, studying health personnel emigration in Iran, developing a System Dynamics (SD) model, and determining evidence-based policy interventions to address health worker emigration. These phases involve realist review, document analysis, qualitative interviews, data integration, and policy scenario planning. The primary objective is to gain a profound understanding of the underlying causes, mechanisms, and consequences of migration, as well as assess the impact of policies, in order to prioritize effective interventions. Results It seems that the SD model developed in this study can highlight the interconnectedness of various factors that influence health worker emigration, including demographic changes, economic conditions, and characteristics of healthcare systems. Conclusion This study uses a systems dynamics approach to analyze health worker emigration from Iran, focusing on policies that promote retention and explore the implications of emigration on the healthcare system. By examining interrelationships and feedback loops within the healthcare system and socioeconomic factors, the study aims to identify effective policy interventions that can mitigate the negative effects of emigration.

A robust workforce of locum tenens (LT) physicians is imperative for health service stability. A systematic review was conducted to synthesize current evidence on the strategies used to facilitate the recruitment and retention of LT physicians. English articles up to October 2023 across five databases were sourced. Original studies focusing on recruitment and retention of LT's were included. An inductive content analysis was performed to identify strategies used to facilitate LT recruitment and retention. A separate grey literature review was conducted from June–July 2023. 12 studies were retained. Over half (58%) of studies were conducted in North America. Main strategies for facilitating LT recruitment and retention included financial incentives (83%), education and career factors (67%), personal facilitators (67%), clinical support and mentorship (33%), and familial considerations (25%). Identified subthemes were desire for flexible contracts (58%), increased income (33%), practice scouting (33%), and transitional employment needs (33%). Most (67%) studies reported deterrents to locum work, with professional isolation (42%) as the primary deterrent-related subtheme. Grey literature suggested national physician licensure could enhance license portability, thereby increasing the mobility of physicians across regions. Organizations employ five main LT recruitment facilitators and operationalize these in a variety of ways. Though these may be incumbent on local resources, the effectiveness of these approaches has not been evaluated. Consequently, future research should assess LT the efficacy of recruitment and retention facilitators. Notably, the majority of identified LT deterrents may be mitigated by modifying contextual factors such as improved onboarding practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction The turnover and shortage of health care workers (HCWs) have been a worldwide problem for healthcare organizations. The primary aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing the intention of Chinese HCWs to leave their job, especially meaning in life and professional happiness. Methods This observational cross-sectional study, conducted among 1125 full-time HCWs, assessed demographic variables, meaning in life, professional happiness, and turnover intention by a survey. The survey was distributed to HCWs in three tertiary hospitals. The data were analyzed by T-tests, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis tests and hierarchical linear regression model. Results There were statistically significant differences in turnover intention of HCWs by gender, age, role, educational level, years in practice, and number of monthly night shifts. HCWs’ meaning in life and professional happiness were negatively associated with the turnover intention. Furthermore, after controlling for other factors, meaning in life explained 3.7% of the turnover intention and professional happiness explained 13.4%. Conclusion In our study, positive psychological factors were related to turnover intentions. Professional happiness was the strongest predictor. Thus, health human resource managers should foster positive psychology among HCWs to reduce their turnover.

Objective To measure the health human resource demand of maternal and child health institutions in China, and to analyze the spatial and temporal characteristics of maternal and child health human resource allocation. Methods The data of health personnel in maternal and child health care institutions from 2018 to 2022 were used, the health human resource density index was used to analyze the change trend of the allocation level of maternal and child health human resources in China from 2017 to 2021, and the actual demand, shortage and proportion of health personnel in maternal and child health institutions in 2021 were calculated. At the same time, global and local spatial autocorrelation was used to explore the spatial characteristics of the allocation level of maternal and child health human resources. Results From 2017 to 2021, the density index of health personnel in maternal and child health institutions in China increased year by year, but the LISA diagram showed that the allocation of human resources among provinces was uneven, showing a 'east - west' differentiation distribution. In 2021, the number of practicing（ assistant） physicians per thousand population, registered nurses per thousand population, pharmacists per thousand population and technicians per thousand population in China were 11. 30, 14. 91, 1. 31 and 2. 73, respectively, and the ratio of doctors to nurses was 1: 1. 32. The Global Moran index and Local Moran index of each health human resource index were greater than 0. Condusion The number of health human resources in maternal and child health institutions in China is increasing, but the inter 一 regional allocation is not balanced. The internal structure of resource allocation needs to be optimized, and there is obvious spatial aggregation of the same attribute in resource allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposals to establish pan-Canadian licensure for physicians have broad support amongst medical groups to address physician shortages in underserved rural communities. The concept has also elicited concern from some stakeholders that its implementation could exacerbate rural physician workforce shortages by prompting an exodus of rural physicians to urban centres. An environmental scan of reports from key medical groups published within the past 10 years was conducted to determine factors influencing rural physician practice patterns. Data from membership surveys of the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada and the Canadian Medical Association – conducted in fall 2022 – were reviewed to determine whether licensure is a factor in rural physicians' decisions to leave or stay in practice in rural Canada. Factors contributing to physicians' decisions to leave rural practice identified in the environmental scan included lack of infrastructure support, inability to find locum coverage, inadequate support for team-based care and effects of high workloads on wellness. A common theme found in responses to the membership surveys was the recognition of licensing restrictions as barriers preventing rural physicians from practising in multiple provinces or territories. Survey respondents also voiced strong support for national licensure implementation. Pan-Canadian licensure holds promise as a strategy to enhance the recruitment and retention of physicians in rural communities. It could also provide physicians flexibility to work in multiple jurisdictions to address the health workforce needs of underserved communities. Résumé Les propositions visant à établir un permis d'exercice pancanadien pour les médecins bénéficient d'un large soutien de la part des groupes médicaux afin de remédier aux pénuries de médecins dans les communautés rurales mal desservies. Ce concept a également suscité des inquiétudes de la part de certaines parties prenantes qui craignent que sa mise en æuvre n'aggrave les pénuries de médecins en milieu rural en provoquant l'exode de ces derniers vers les centres urbains. Une analyse environnementale des rapports des principaux groupes médicaux publiés au cours des dix dernières années a été effectuée pour déterminer les facteurs influençant les modes de pratique des médecins ruraux. Les données des enquêtes sur les membres de la Société de la médecine rurale du Canada et de l'Association médicale canadienne-menées à l'automne 2022-ont été examinées pour déterminer si le permis d'exercice est un facteur dans la décision des médecins ruraux de quitter ou de rester en pratique dans les régions rurales du Canada. Les facteurs contribuant à la décision des médecins de quitter la pratique rurale, identifiés dans l'analyse de l'environnement, comprenaient le manque de soutien en matière d'infrastructure, l'incapacité à trouver une couverture de suppléance, le soutien inadéquat des soins en équipe et les effets des charges de travail élevées sur le bien-être. Un thème commun ressorti des réponses aux enquêtes menées auprès des membres est la reconnaissance des restrictions en matière de permis d'exercice en tant qu'obstacles empêchant les médecins ruraux d'exercer dans plusieurs provinces ou territoires. Les répondants à l'enquête ont également exprimé leur soutien à la mise en place d'un système national de permis d'exercice. Le permis d'exercice pancanadien est une stratégie prometteuse pour améliorer le recrutement et la fidélisation des médecins dans les communautés rurales. Il pourrait également permettre aux médecins de travailler dans plusieurs administrations afin de répondre aux besoins en personnel de santé des communautés mal desservies. Mots-clés: Ressources humaines en santé, autorisation d'exercice, autorisation d'exercer nationale, permis d'exercer pancanadienne, enregistrement national, pénurie de médecins, effectifs de médecins [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the changing trend of health resources structure in Shandong Province, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing the allocation of health resources. Methods Data on health expenditure, health human resources, and health material resources in Shandong Province from 2016 to 2021 were selected as the analysis object. This study used the structural change degree analysis to analyze the structural changes in health resources in Shandong Province. Results In the health financing structure, government health expenditure, and social health expenditure showed positive changes, and the structural change values were 0. 000 1 and 0. 005 4, while personal health expenditure showed a negative change, and the structural change value was - 0. 005 6. The contribution of social health expenditure and personal health expenditure was large. In the composition of health human resources, licensed (assistant) physicians, registered nurses, and technicians showed positive changes with structural change values of 0. 003 2, 0. 003 6, and 0. 004 6. The pharmacist showed a negative change, with a structural change value of 一 0.008 7. The structure of grass 一 roots medical institutions and professional public health institutions had changed obviously in the composition of health material resources, and the structural change values were 0. 011 2 and -0. 016 1. Hospital beds contributed greatly to structural changes. Conclusion The scale of health financing in Shandong Province is steadily expanding, and the structure of health financing still needs to be optimized. The availability of health human resources is guaranteed, and the accessibility of health human resources needs to be strengthened. The allocation of health material resources has been optimized, and the trend of "sinking" of material resources is obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the role of community health workers in implementation of primary care actions during the COVID-19 pandemic in the municipality of Peruíbe, São Paulo, Brazil. This is a qualitative case study, guided by the theoretical perspective proposed by Lipsky, according to which street-level bureaucrats play a central role in policy implementation. The research tool was semi-structured interviews of two community health agents, a doctor, a nurse and four local health managers. Analysis of the transcripts identified municipal action in three dimensions to address the health crisis: health system organisation; community health workers’ activities; and restoration of primary health care routines. Community health workers were found to play active roles in the various local measures to combat COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The turnover and shortage of health care workers (HCWs) have been a worldwide problem for healthcare organizations. The primary aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing the intention of Chinese HCWs to leave their job, especially meaning in life and professional happiness. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study, conducted among 1125 full-time HCWs, assessed demographic variables, meaning in life, professional happiness, and turnover intention by a survey. The survey was distributed to HCWs in three tertiary hospitals. The data were analyzed by T-tests, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis tests and hierarchical linear regression model. Results: There were statistically significant differences in turnover intention of HCWs by gender, age, role, educational level, years in practice, and number of monthly night shifts. HCWs' meaning in life and professional happiness were negatively associated with the turnover intention. Furthermore, after controlling for other factors, meaning in life explained 3.7% of the turnover intention and professional happiness explained 13.4%. Conclusion: In our study, positive psychological factors were related to turnover intentions. Professional happiness was the strongest predictor. Thus, health human resource managers should foster positive psychology among HCWs to reduce their turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In response to an aging population, the Chinese government implemented the three-child policy in 2021 based on the comprehensive two-child policy. With the implementation of the new birth policy, people’s maternal and child health (MCH) needs will also increase. The allocation and fairness of MCH human resources directly affect people’s access to MCH services. The purpose of this study is to analyze the allocation of health human resources in Chinese maternal and child health care institutions, evaluate the fairness of the allocation, to provide a reference for the rational allocation of MCH human resources. Methods The data of health technicians, licensed (assistant) physicians, and registered nurses in maternal and child health care institutions nationwide from 2016 to 2020 were included. The health resource density index (HRDI) is used to evaluate the allocation level of MCH human resources. The Gini coefficient (G) and Theil index (T) are used to evaluate the fairness of the allocation of MCH human resources from the perspectives of population and geographic area. Results From 2016 to 2020, the average annual growth rate of the number of health technicians, licensed (assistant) physicians, and registered nurses in Chinese maternal and child health care institutions was 7.53, 6.88, and 9.12%, respectively. The Gini coefficient (G) of the three types of MCH human resources allocated by population were all below 0.23, and the Gini coefficient (G) allocated by geographical area were all above 0.65. The Theil index (T) of the three types of MCH human resources allocated by population was all lower than 0.06, and the Theil index (T) allocated by geographical area was all higher than 0.53. In addition, the three types of MCH human resources allocated by population and geographic area contributed more than 84% of the Theil index within the group (T intra ) to the Theil index (T). Conclusions China’s MCH human resources were fair in terms of population allocation, but unfair in terms of geographical area allocation. In the future, more attention should be paid to the geographical accessibility of MCH human resources, and the allocation of resources should comprehensively consider the two factors of serving the population and geographical area.

Abstract Background Achieving equity in the distribution of health services is one major goal in the health system. This study aimed to determine equality in distributing health human resources (physicians) in the Qazvin University of Medical Sciences before and after the Health Transformation Plan (HTP) based on the Hirschman-Herfindahl index (HHI). Methods In this descriptive-analytical study, the statistical population was general practitioners (GPs), specialists and subspecialists in the Qazvin University of Medical Sciences from 2011-to 2017. We extracted demographic statistics of the cities from the Statistical Center of Iran. Physicians’ statistics were obtained from the Curative Affairs Deputy at the Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. We assessed inequality using the HHI. Results The highest number of GPs was in 2014, and specialists and subspecialists were in 2017. The lowest number of GPs, specialists, and subspecialists were in 2016, 2011 and 2015. The HHI for GPs in 2011–2017 was between 4300 and 5200. The lowest concentration for specialists before the HTP plan was the cardiologist with 3300, and after the HTP, the internal specialist with 3900. Also, the numerical value of this index for all subspecialty physicians after the HTP was 10,000, the highest level of concentration. Conclusion The values obtained from the HHI index indicate the high concentration and disproportionate and inequitable distribution of human resources in the health sector in this province. The number of specialists in some cities is still much less than acceptable, and some cities even have shortcomings in the critical specialists.

Background Addressing chronic diseases and intra-urban health disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires new health service models. Team-based healthcare models can improve management of chronic diseases/complex conditions. There is interest in integrating community health workers (CHWs) into these teams, given their effectiveness in reaching underserved populations. However healthcare team models are difficult to effectively implement, and there is little experience with team-based models in LMICs and with CHW-integrated models more generally. Our study aims to understand the determinants related to the poor adoption of Ethiopia’s family health teams (FHTs); and, raise considerations for initiating CHW-integrated healthcare team models in LMIC cities. Methods Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we examine organizational-level factors related to implementation climate and readiness (work processes/incentives/resources/leadership) and systemlevel factors (policy guidelines/governance/financing) that affected adoption of FHTs in two Ethiopian cities. Using semi-structured interviews/focus groups, we sought implementation perspectives from 33 FHT members and 18 administrators. We used framework analysis to deductively code data to CFIR domains. Results Factors associated with implementation climate and readiness negatively impacted FHT adoption. Failure to tap into financial, political, and performance motivations of key stakeholders/FHT members contributed to low willingness to participate, while resource constraints restricted capacity to implement. Workload issues combined with no financial incentives/perceived benefit contributed to poor adoption among clinical professionals. Meanwhile, staffing constraints and unavailability of medicines/supplies/transport contributed to poor implementation readiness, further decreasing willingness among clinical professionals/managers to prioritize non-clinic based activities. The federally- driven program failed to provide budgetary incentives or tap into political motivations of municipal/health centre administrators. Conclusion Lessons from Ethiopia’s challenges in implementing its FHT program suggest that LMICs interested in adopting CHW-integrated healthcare team models should closely consider health system readiness (budgets, staffing, equipment/medicines) as well as incentivization strategies (financial, professional, political) to drive organizational change.

During the first and second waves of the pandemic, Quebec was among the Canadian provinces with the highest COVID-19 mortality rates. Facing particularly large COVID-19 outbreaks in its facilities, an integrated health and social services center in the province of Quebec (Canada), developed resilience strategies. To explore these diverse responses to the crisis, we conducted a case study analysis of a Quebec integrated health and social services center, building on a conceptualization of resilience strategies using "configurations" of effects, strategies, and impacts. Qualitative data from 14 indepth interviews conducted in the summer and fall of 2020 with managers and frontline practitioners were analyzed through the lens of situations of "anticipation," "reaction," or "inaction." The findings were discussed in three results dissemination workshops, two with practitioners and one with managers, to discern lessons they learned. Three major configurations emerged: 1) reorganization of services and spaces to accommodate more COVID-19 patients; 2) management of contamination risks for patients and professionals; and 3) management of personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies, and medications. Within these configurations, the responses to the crisis were strongly shaped by the 2015 health care system reforms in Quebec and were constrained by organizational challenges that included a centralized model of governance, a history of substantial budget cuts to longterm care facilities, and a systematic lack of human resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing reliance on Personal Support Workers (PSWs) in health care delivery for older adults across hospital, nursing and long-term care home, and home and community (HC) sectors, understanding the PSW labor market is critical for healthcare human resource capacity to care for an aging population. This study utilizes a longitudinal, cross-provincial, individual-level dataset of PSWs in Canada from 1996–2010 to provide socio-demographic characteristics of PSWs by sector. Means, proportions, and multivariate tests of significance showed that PSWs differed significantly by care sector across many factors—including sex, health, family, and education characteristics. That HC PSWs were more likely to be older with lower health and higher disability status is important to consider when examining labor policies. Evidence of sector heterogeneity can lead to important differential effects on PSW labor supply behaviors and this research highlights the importance of tailoring initiatives aimed at recruitment and retention by sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By late May 2020, COVID-19 cases among long-term care (LTC) residents in Ontario constituted 5,157 of the province's 28,499 cases. In British Columbia (B.C.), there were 339 cases among LTC residents compared with a provincial total of 2,562 cases. While the LTC sectors in these two provinces have some differences, this article reviews their pre-pandemic LTC staffing policies and compares their staffing-related COVID-19 prevention measures in 2020. Ontario's policies before 2020 corresponded with lower staff-to-patient ratios than B.C., which may have constrained Ontario's pandemic responses. Implementation of standards or guidelines and changes to funding could help achieve LTC sector staffing resiliency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTDuring the first and second waves of the pandemic, Quebec was among the Canadian provinces with the highest COVID-19 mortality rates. Facing particularly large COVID-19 outbreaks in its facilities, an integrated health and social services center in the province of Quebec (Canada), developed resilience strategies. To explore these diverse responses to the crisis, we conducted a case study analysis of a Quebec integrated health and social services center, building on a conceptualization of resilience strategies using “configurations” of effects, strategies, and impacts. Qualitative data from 14 indepth interviews conducted in the summer and fall of 2020 with managers and frontline practitioners were analyzed through the lens of situations of “anticipation,” “reaction,” or “inaction.” The findings were discussed in three results dissemination workshops, two with practitioners and one with managers, to discern lessons they learned. Three major configurations emerged: 1) reorganization of services and spaces to accommodate more COVID-19 patients; 2) management of contamination risks for patients and professionals; and 3) management of personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies, and medications. Within these configurations, the responses to the crisis were strongly shaped by the 2015 health care system reforms in Quebec and were constrained by organizational challenges that included a centralized model of governance, a history of substantial budget cuts to longterm care facilities, and a systematic lack of human resources.

Abstract Background Choosing the appropriate definition of rural area is critical to ensuring health resources are carefully targeted to support the communities needing them most. This study aimed at reviewing various definitions and demonstrating how the application of different rural area definitions implies geographic doctor distribution to inform the development of a more fit-for-purpose rural area definition for health workforce research and policies. Methods We reviewed policy documents and literature to identify the rural area definitions in Indonesian health research and policies. First, we used the health policy triangle to critically summarize the contexts, contents, actors and process of developing the rural area definitions. Then, we compared each definition’s strengths and weaknesses according to the norms of appropriate rural area definitions (i.e. explicit, meaningful, replicable, quantifiable and objective, derived from high-quality data and not frequently changed; had on-the-ground validity and clear boundaries). Finally, we validated the application of each definition to describe geographic distribution of doctors by estimating doctor-to-population ratios and the Theil-L decomposition indices using each definition as the unit of analysis. Results Three definitions were identified, all applied at different levels of geographic areas: “urban/rural” villages (Central Bureau of Statistics [CBS] definition), “remote/non-remote” health facilities (Ministry of Health [MoH] definition) and “less/more developed” districts (presidential/regulated definition). The CBS and presidential definitions are objective and derived from nationwide standardized calculations on high-quality data, whereas the MoH definition is more subjective, as it allows local government to self-nominate the facilities to be classified as remote. The CBS and presidential definition criteria considered key population determinants for doctor availability, such as population density and economic capacity, as well as geographic accessibility. Analysis of national doctor data showed that remote, less developed and rural areas (according to the respective definitions) had lower doctor-to-population ratios than their counterparts. In all definitions, the Theil-L-within ranged from 76 to 98%, indicating that inequality of doctor density between these districts was attributed mainly to within-group rather than between-group differences. Between 2011 and 2018, Theil-L-within decreased when calculated using the MoH and presidential definitions, but increased when the CBS definition was used. Conclusion Comparing the content of off-the-shelf rural area definitions critically and how the distribution of health resource differs when analysed using different definitions is invaluable to inform the development of fit-for-purpose rural area definitions for future health policy.

Abstract Background Healthcare systems rely heavily upon human resources to ensure high-quality access to care for the general population. With significant health worker shortages predicted worldwide in the coming decades, maximizing the current workforce by means of a physician resource planning (PRP) strategy that ensures the right number, mix, and distribution of physicians to meet population needs is warranted. In Canada, there is an insufficient number of primary care providers, and disproportionately low numbers of specialist physicians in rural compared to urban regions. Currently, Canadian medical students are not effectively included in PRP strategy and lack the required information for career orientation to help rebalance the population’s workforce needs. This paper present the Health Human Resource (HHR) Platform, a comprehensive web tool that includes relevant workforce data to empower medical students in choosing a discipline based on both personal interests and social accountability. Results Physician workforce data, comments from Canadian residency program directors, and career planning resources were collected by the Canadian Federation of Medical Student’s (CFMS) HHR Task Force. This information was consolidated to create a national interactive platform that uses a map, comparison table, and trend graphs to illustrate over 500,000 unique data points from 37 datasets, including specific information and resources spanning 62 medical specialties from 2015 onwards. There was a 24.6% response rate for program director comments. During the first 4 months of the HHR Platform launch, there were 2434 different users, of which 985 were returning, with an average of 20.0 users per day spending on average 3 min on the platform. Conclusions The HHR Platform constitutes a national approach to PRP informing medical students on the mix and distribution of physicians needed to meet the future healthcare demands of the Canadian population.

Abstract Nepal’s Primary Health Care (PHC) is aligned vertically with disease control programs at the core and a vast network of community health workers at the periphery. Aligning with the globalization of health and the factors affecting global burden of diseases, Nepal echoes the progressive increase in life expectancy, changes in diseases patterns, including the current impact of COVID-19. Nepal’s health system is also accommodating recent federalization, and thus it is critical to explore how the primary health care system is grappling the challenges amidst these changes. In this review, we conducted a narrative synthesis of literature to explore the challenges related to transformation of Nepal’s primary health care delivery system to meet the demands incurred by impact of globalization and recent federalization, covering following database: PubMED, Embase and Google Scholar. Of the 49 articles abstracted for full text review, 37 were included in the analyses. Existing theories were used for constructing the conceptual framework to explain the study findings. The results are divided into four themes. Additional searches were conducted to further support the narrative synthesis: a total of 46 articles were further included in the articulation of main findings. Transforming Nepal’s primary health care system requires a clear focus on following priority areas that include i) Revised efforts towards strengthening of community based primary health care units; ii) Adapting vertical programs to federal governance; iii) Reinforcing the health insurance scheme; and iv) Strengthening an existing network of community health workers and health human resources. This review discusses how these broad goals bear challenges and opportunities.

Background: Achieving equity in the distribution of health services is one major goal in the health system. This study aimed to determine equality in distributing health human resources (physicians) in the Qazvin University of Medical Sciences before and after the Health Transformation Plan (HTP) based on the Hirschman-Herfindahl index (HHI).Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, the statistical population was general practitioners (GPs), specialists and subspecialists in the Qazvin University of Medical Sciences from 2011-to 2017. We extracted demographic statistics of the cities from the Statistical Center of Iran. Physicians' statistics were obtained from the Curative Affairs Deputy at the Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. We assessed inequality using the HHI.Results: The highest number of GPs was in 2014, and specialists and subspecialists were in 2017. The lowest number of GPs, specialists, and subspecialists were in 2016, 2011 and 2015. The HHI for GPs in 2011-2017 was between 4300 and 5200. The lowest concentration for specialists before the HTP plan was the cardiologist with 3300, and after the HTP, the internal specialist with 3900. Also, the numerical value of this index for all subspecialty physicians after the HTP was 10,000, the highest level of concentration.Conclusion: The values obtained from the HHI index indicate the high concentration and disproportionate and inequitable distribution of human resources in the health sector in this province. The number of specialists in some cities is still much less than acceptable, and some cities even have shortcomings in the critical specialists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Addressing chronic diseases and intra-urban health disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) requires new health service models. Team-based healthcare models can improve management of chronic diseases/complex conditions. There is interest in integrating community health workers (CHWs) into these teams, given their effectiveness in reaching underserved populations. However healthcare team models are difficult to effectively implement, and there is little experience with team-based models in LMICs and with CHW-integrated models more generally. Our study aims to understand the determinants related to the poor adoption of Ethiopia’s family health teams (FHTs); and, raise considerations for initiating CHW-integrated healthcare team models in LMIC cities. Methods: Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we examine organizational-level factors related to implementation climate and readiness (work processes/incentives/resources/leadership) and systemlevel factors (policy guidelines/governance/financing) that affected adoption of FHTs in two Ethiopian cities. Using semi-structured interviews/focus groups, we sought implementation perspectives from 33 FHT members and 18 administrators. We used framework analysis to deductively code data to CFIR domains. Results: Factors associated with implementation climate and readiness negatively impacted FHT adoption. Failure to tap into financial, political, and performance motivations of key stakeholders/FHT members contributed to low willingness to participate, while resource constraints restricted capacity to implement. Workload issues combined with no financial incentives/perceived benefit contributed to poor adoption among clinical professionals. Meanwhile, staffing constraints and unavailability of medicines/supplies/transport contributed to poor implementation readiness, further decreasing willingness among clinical professionals/managers to prioritize non-clinic based activities. The federally-driven program failed to provide budgetary incentives or tap into political motivations of municipal/health centre administrators. Conclusion: Lessons from Ethiopia’s challenges in implementing its FHT program suggest that LMICs interested in adopting CHW-integrated healthcare team models should closely consider health system readiness (budgets, staffing, equipment/medicines) as well as incentivization strategies (financial, professional, political) to drive organizational change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Northern Ontario School of Medicine University (NOSM U) continues to be challenged in meeting its social accountability mandate of addressing the rural health human resource crises in its catchment of Northern Ontario. Its new educational initiative, the Rural Generalist Pathway (RGP) aims to graduate family physicians specifically prepared for rural practice. This study elicits the perspective of NOSM U learners on the various components being considered for this educational pathway., Methods: A mixed methods survey was created for each of two medical learner groups, undergraduate NOSM U students and its family medicine residents. Quantitative data was analyzed for frequencies and percentages and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis., Results: With a response rate of 24.6% for undergraduates and 37.9% for residents, the survey discovered undergraduates consider rural clinical rotations as the most valuable experiences in rural medicine. Among the findings, both the majority of medical students and residents (87.3% and 87.9% respectively) agreed that support for a resident's family well-being and community integration was the element of the pathway most likely to influence them in pursuing the RGP. Mentorship by a practicing rural physician was an element highly supported by 81% of undergraduate and 81.8% of postgraduate learners as likely to influence them to take the RGP., Discussion: Incorporating learner perceptions into the development of the RGP could help focus institutional resources and enhance learner participation in this pathway, producing more rural family doctors to serve Northern Ontario., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives In Canada physician payment systems and associated billing data vary across provinces. We used linked billing data to develop comparable measures of family physician (FP) service volume, continuity, and comprehensiveness in each of four provinces, with the goal of describing changing patterns over time, relevant to workforce planning policy. Approach We accessed linked population and physician registry data, vital statistics, physician billing data, hospital and emergency department records, and (where available) laboratory and prescription drug records in four Canadian provinces from 1996/7 to 2017/8. We tracked changes in primary care physician service volume (patient visits), continuity, and comprehensiveness over two decades, and explored the impacts of career stage and graduation cohort on patterns observed. We also quantified changes in the volume of services that required FP coordination, review, administration, and/or follow-up, reporting changes in service volume per-capita, per community-based family physician and per physician visit. Results Visit volume and continuity per provider fell over time in the four provinces examined. Visits increased with years in practice until mid-to-late-career and declined into end-of-career. We found no relationship between graduation cohort and practice volume, continuity, or comprehensiveness of care. Over this time period, the number of FPs per-capita has grown, but the number in comprehensive, community-based practice has remained constant. While primary care visits have declined, the number of prescriptions, lab tests, emergency department visits, and specialist visits per capita have all increased. When expressed per community-based FP, and particularly per community-based FP patient visit, the increases in workload range from 36.1% for lab tests to 55.0% for ED follow-up. Increases in service volume are greatest among patients ages 80 and older, a rapidly-growing population segment. Conclusion Linked data capturing changes in practice patterns and workload suggest that even with an increasing per-capita supply of family physicians, additional resources will be needed to ensure all patients can access comprehensive primary care. Information on the various roles family physicians fill and demographic change will strengthen workforce planning.

Abstract Background Task shifting and sharing (TS/S) involves the redistribution of health tasks within workforces and communities. Conceptual frameworks lay out the key factors, constructs, and variables involved in a given phenomenon, as well as the relationships between those factors. Though TS/S is a leading strategy to address health worker shortages and improve access to services worldwide, a conceptual framework for this approach is lacking. Methods We used an online Delphi process to engage an international panel of scholars with experience in knowledge synthesis concerning TS/S and develop a conceptual framework for TS/S. We invited 55 prospective panelists to participate in a series of questionnaires exploring the purpose of TS/S and the characteristics of contexts amenable to TS/S programmes. Panelist responses were analysed and integrated through an iterative process to achieve consensus on the elements included in the conceptual framework. Results The panel achieved consensus concerning the included concepts after three Delphi rounds among 15 panelists. The COATS Framework (Concepts and Opportunities to Advance Task Shifting and Task Sharing) offers a refined definition of TS/S and a general purpose statement to guide TS/S programmes. COATS describes that opportunities for health system improvement arising from TS/S programmes depending on the implementation context, and enumerates eight necessary conditions and important considerations for implementing TS/S programmes. Conclusion The COATS Framework offers a conceptual model for TS/S programmes. The COATS Framework is comprehensive and adaptable, and can guide refinements in policy, programme development, evaluation, and research to improve TS/S globally.

Introduction: Scotland's healthcare system includes six rural general hospitals (RGHs) which provide a full surgical service to the most remote and rural populations. Constraints of geography and finance, and population need, mean that local delivery of surgical services will be required for the foreseeable future. These RGHs face difficulties in recruiting suitably trained general surgeons. This study aimed to describe Scottish surgical trainees' attitudes towards training and working in remote and rural surgery, perceived barriers to recruitment and potential solutions.Methods: A survey was distributed in paper and electronic forms to all Scottish trainees in core surgery (early-stage trainees) and general surgery (later-stage trainees). The survey collected data describing demographics, life and career experiences, and attitudes towards training in remote and rural environments. Univariate and multivariate analyses of influences on interest in rural training and recruitment were carried out, and thematic analysis of free-text responses.Results: There were 152 respondents (response rate 59%). Most (81%) felt that surgical training should be offered in rural environments and 43% were personally interested in some rural training. On multivariate analysis, interest in rural training was associated with being a core trainee (odds ratio (OR) 7.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.79-22.76), and rural work experience following graduation (OR 5.12, 95%CI 1.85-15.39). Respondents stating that they were likely to work in a rural environment (9.2%), were more likely on multivariate analysis to be core trainees (OR 5.70, 95%CI 1.37-28.99) and to have previously lived in a rural location (OR 5.49, 95%CI 1.33-25.93). When trainees were asked for their views on how RGH jobs could be made more attractive, themes identified were as follows: increasing and improving training opportunities in RGHs, increasing the breadth of surgical training, optimising links with referral centres, and improving pay and conditions.Conclusion: This is the first study in a UK setting to describe the views of surgical trainees towards training and working in rural environments. There is substantial support and interest for rural surgical training among Scottish surgical trainees. A minority are interested in a rural surgical career, with interest more likely in core trainees and in those who have lived rurally. Increasing surgical training opportunities in rural environments and maximising medical school intake from rural areas may be important in addressing recruitment concerns.

Aim. The study is aimed to determine and test the approaches to the development of a method for calculation of the demand for medical personnel in the healthcare in the Russian Federation, using a mathematical model of human resource for healthcare HRH balancing.Materials and methods. As part of the study, the development of a project of the calculation method for the demand for medical personnel in healthcare in the Russian Federation was carried out. The authors based on the foreign experience in the approaches to the calculation of the demand for medical personnel in the economically developed countries that apply socially-oriented healthcare systems (state or social insurance-based) as well as experience of using various approaches to methods of calculation of the demand for medical personnel existing in Russia. To calculate the justified demand for medical personnel in certain specialties, calculations were carried out stagewise and data tables were created, which provided a base for a mathematical model of HRH balancing implemented in the Microsoft Excel environment. The conceptual model was based on a balance of supply and demand modules. As a result of the calculation and comparison of the number of different specialty doctors, this model shows the deficit or surplus of HHR in each module.Results. This mathematical model of balancing the HRH based on the results of two modules operating to calculate the supply and demand for one specific planning horizon can be used to calculate and compare the following factors: the number of doctors in the simulated period; increase/decrease in demand for HRH; increase/decrease in the number of doctors in the medium and long-term compared to the base year. This model can be supplemented with a block calculating the labor remuneration fund (LRF) for the simulated period and accounting for changes in the consumption (demand) of medical care depending on the implementation of various national projects in the field of healthcare. The presented calculation approach shows that the demand for medical personnel will grow in the next 7-10 years. However, in the long-term perspective, the opposite situation is possible due to an oversupply of personnel in healthcare, which may entail other organizational and social problems and, consequently, other managerial solutions.Conclusion. The results of this study can be used to reform the existing approaches to the calculation of the demand for medical personnel to increase the organizational and economic efficiency of workforce planning in healthcare, as well as to develop techniques to check the justifiability of funding levels, including those aimed at the provision, maintenance and professional development of health human resources.

Background: Choosing the appropriate definition of rural area is critical to ensuring health resources are carefully targeted to support the communities needing them most. This study aimed at reviewing various definitions and demonstrating how the application of different rural area definitions implies geographic doctor distribution to inform the development of a more fit-for-purpose rural area definition for health workforce research and policies.Methods: We reviewed policy documents and literature to identify the rural area definitions in Indonesian health research and policies. First, we used the health policy triangle to critically summarize the contexts, contents, actors and process of developing the rural area definitions. Then, we compared each definition's strengths and weaknesses according to the norms of appropriate rural area definitions (i.e. explicit, meaningful, replicable, quantifiable and objective, derived from high-quality data and not frequently changed; had on-the-ground validity and clear boundaries). Finally, we validated the application of each definition to describe geographic distribution of doctors by estimating doctor-to-population ratios and the Theil-L decomposition indices using each definition as the unit of analysis.Results: Three definitions were identified, all applied at different levels of geographic areas: "urban/rural" villages (Central Bureau of Statistics [CBS] definition), "remote/non-remote" health facilities (Ministry of Health [MoH] definition) and "less/more developed" districts (presidential/regulated definition). The CBS and presidential definitions are objective and derived from nationwide standardized calculations on high-quality data, whereas the MoH definition is more subjective, as it allows local government to self-nominate the facilities to be classified as remote. The CBS and presidential definition criteria considered key population determinants for doctor availability, such as population density and economic capacity, as well as geographic accessibility. Analysis of national doctor data showed that remote, less developed and rural areas (according to the respective definitions) had lower doctor-to-population ratios than their counterparts. In all definitions, the Theil-L-within ranged from 76 to 98%, indicating that inequality of doctor density between these districts was attributed mainly to within-group rather than between-group differences. Between 2011 and 2018, Theil-L-within decreased when calculated using the MoH and presidential definitions, but increased when the CBS definition was used.Conclusion: Comparing the content of off-the-shelf rural area definitions critically and how the distribution of health resource differs when analysed using different definitions is invaluable to inform the development of fit-for-purpose rural area definitions for future health policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emigration of health workers has emerged as a significant obstacle in Iran, compelling policymakers to implement a diverse range of interventions and reforms to enhance healthcare services. It is imperative to comprehend the efficacy of emigration control interventions. To explore the intricate dynamics of elite emigration, this study employs a system dynamics modeling approach. The objective is to scrutinize Iranian health workers' emigration, examine the relationships, and evaluate the impact of various factors involved., Objectives: The general purpose of this study is to analyze the policy interventions affecting the emigration of human resources in the field of health in Iran based on the system's dynamic approach., Method: The research consists of four phases including analyzing the emigration status of health workers in developing countries, studying health personnel emigration in Iran, developing a System Dynamics (SD) model, and determining evidence-based policy interventions to address health worker emigration. These phases involve realist review, document analysis, qualitative interviews, data integration, and policy scenario planning. The primary objective is to gain a profound understanding of the underlying causes, mechanisms, and consequences of migration, as well as assess the impact of policies, in order to prioritize effective interventions., Results: It seems that the SD model developed in this study can highlight the interconnectedness of various factors that influence health worker emigration, including demographic changes, economic conditions, and characteristics of healthcare systems., Conclusion: This study uses a systems dynamics approach to analyze health worker emigration from Iran, focusing on policies that promote retention and explore the implications of emigration on the healthcare system. By examining interrelationships and feedback loops within the healthcare system and socioeconomic factors, the study aims to identify effective policy interventions that can mitigate the negative effects of emigration.

Nepal's Primary Health Care (PHC) is aligned vertically with disease control programs at the core and a vast network of community health workers at the periphery. Aligning with the globalization of health and the factors affecting global burden of diseases, Nepal echoes the progressive increase in life expectancy, changes in diseases patterns, including the current impact of COVID-19. Nepal's health system is also accommodating recent federalization, and thus it is critical to explore how the primary health care system is grappling the challenges amidst these changes. In this review, we conducted a narrative synthesis of literature to explore the challenges related to transformation of Nepal's primary health care delivery system to meet the demands incurred by impact of globalization and recent federalization, covering following database: PubMED, Embase and Google Scholar. Of the 49 articles abstracted for full text review, 37 were included in the analyses. Existing theories were used for constructing the conceptual framework to explain the study findings. The results are divided into four themes. Additional searches were conducted to further support the narrative synthesis: a total of 46 articles were further included in the articulation of main findings. Transforming Nepal's primary health care system requires a clear focus on following priority areas that include i) Revised efforts towards strengthening of community based primary health care units; ii) Adapting vertical programs to federal governance; iii) Reinforcing the health insurance scheme; and iv) Strengthening an existing network of community health workers and health human resources. This review discusses how these broad goals bear challenges and opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic brought multiple concurrent threats-high patient volume and acuity and, simultaneously, increased risk to health workers. Healthcare managers and decision-makers needed to identify strategies to mitigate these adverse conditions. This paper reports on the health workforce strategies implemented in relation to past large-scale emergencies (including natural disasters, extreme weather events, and infectious disease outbreaks).Methods: We conducted a rapid scoping review of health workforce responses to natural disasters, extreme weather events, and infectious disease outbreaks reported in the literature between January 2000 and April 2020. The 3582 individual results were screened to include articles which described surge responses to past emergencies for which an evaluative component was included in the report. A total of 37 articles were included in our analysis.Results: The reviewed literature describes challenges related to increased demand for health services and a simultaneous decrease in the availability of the workforce. Many articles also described impacts on infrastructure that hindered emergency response. These challenges aligned well with those faced during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the published literature, the workforce strategies that were described aimed either to increase the numbers of health workers in a given area, to increase the flexibility of the health workforce to meet needs in new ways, or to support and sustain health workers in practice. Workforce responses addressed all types and cadres of health workers and were executed in a wide range of settings. We additionally report on the barriers and facilitators of workforce strategies reported in the literature reviewed. The strategies that were reported in the literature aligned closely with our COVID-specific conceptual framework of workforce capacity levers, suggesting that our framework may have heuristic value across many types of health disasters.Conclusions: This research highlights a key deficiency with the existing literature on workforce responses to emergencies: most papers lack substantive evaluation of the strategies implemented. Future research on health workforce capacity interventions should include robust evaluation of impact and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Health systems in most jurisdictions are facing an unprecedented workforce crisis, manifesting as labour shortages, high staff turnover, and increasing rates of absenteeism and burnout. These issues affect professional and occupational groups in both health and social care and individuals at early and later stages of their career. The intensity and pervasiveness of the crisis suggests that it is a multicausal phenomenon. Studies have focused on the relationship between working environments and worker satisfaction and well-being. However, these are of limited use in understanding the deeper mechanisms behind the large-scale workforce crisis. The subjective experience of work, while rooted in a particular work context, is also shaped by broader social and cultural phenomena that put social norms and individuals' ability to conform to them in tension. The concept of anomie, initially developed by Durkheim and redefined by Merton, focuses on the way social norms that guide conduct and aspirations lose influence and become incompatible with each other or unsuited to contemporary work contexts. Understanding the workforce crisis from the perspective of anomie enables the development and implementation of novel policies based on co-production strategies where concerned publics engage collaboratively in framing the problem and searching for solutions., (© 2024 The Authors. The International Journal of Health Planning and Management published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

There is consensus that a professional full-time nursing workforce leads to better patient outcomes and a safer health care environment. In 2007, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care introduced the Nursing Graduate Guarantee (NGG), a policy mechanism designed to strengthen the nursing workforce by increasing full-time (FT) employment for newly graduated nurses. Several factors have affected the supply and employment status of nurses in the province over the past two decades, including the introduction of unregulated health care workers and crises such as SARS and COVID-19. A secondary analysis of the College of Nurses of Ontario registration database was conducted to identify and evaluate trends in the supply and employment of nurses in Ontario prior to and following introduction of the NGG. The results demonstrate that full-time employment of new registered nurses and new registered practical nurses initially increased but has since fallen to below pre-policy levels. Part-time work among newly graduated nurses is increasing across all sectors, signaling a diminishing effect of the NGG investments over time. Investments in health human resources have a stabilizing effect on the nursing workforce. Ensuring an adequate number of nurses is necessary for crisis preparation, management and recovery, particularly in sectors with low surge capacity such as long-term care. However, sustained financial, political, public, and professional support is required. Il est convenu que le fait de disposer de personnel infirmier ayant les qualifications professionnelles requises et engagé à temps plein donne de meilleurs résultats au niveau de la santé des patients et promeut un environnement de soins plus sécuritaire. Le ministère de la santé et des soins de longue durée de l'Ontario a introduit la Garantie d'emploi pour les diplômés en soins infirmiers (GEDSI), une politique conçue pour soutenir le personnel infirmier et qui a pour objectif d'augmenter le nombre d'emplois à temps plein pour le personnel infirmier nouvellement diplômé. Plusieurs facteurs ont eu un impact négatif sur le nombre d'infirmiers et d'infirmières formés et leur statut en matière d'emploi au cours des deux dernières décennies, ce qui inclut l'introduction de personnel soignant non règlementé et plusieurs crises sanitaires, dont celle du SRAS et de la COVID-19. Une analyse secondaire de la base de données d'inscription de l'Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers de l'Ontario a été menée pour identifier et évaluer les tendances en matière de disponibilité et d'emploi pour le personnel infirmier en Ontario, avant et après l'introduction de la GEDSI. Les résultats montrent que le nombre d'emplois à temps plein pour le personnel infirmier et le personnel infirmier auxiliaire nouvellement agréé a initialement augmenté, mais qu'il est, depuis lors, retombé en-dessous des niveaux atteints avant la mise en œuvre de cette politique. Les emplois à temps partiel pour le personnel infirmier nouvellement diplômé augmentent dans tous les secteurs, ce qui montre que l'impact de la politique GEDSI est de moins en moins important au fil du temps. Les investissements en ressources humaines dans le domaine de la santé ont un effet stabilisateur sur l'effectif. Il est nécessaire de disposer d'un nombre d'infirmiers/infirmières adéquat pour préparer, gérer et se redresser en cas de crise, plus particulièrement dans les secteurs qui n'ont qu'une faible capacité de mobilisation, comme celui des soins de longue durée. Mais, pour ceci, un solide soutien financier, politique, publique et de la profession est indispensable.

Background: Task shifting and sharing (TS/S) involves the redistribution of health tasks within workforces and communities. Conceptual frameworks lay out the key factors, constructs, and variables involved in a given phenomenon, as well as the relationships between those factors. Though TS/S is a leading strategy to address health worker shortages and improve access to services worldwide, a conceptual framework for this approach is lacking.Methods: We used an online Delphi process to engage an international panel of scholars with experience in knowledge synthesis concerning TS/S and develop a conceptual framework for TS/S. We invited 55 prospective panelists to participate in a series of questionnaires exploring the purpose of TS/S and the characteristics of contexts amenable to TS/S programmes. Panelist responses were analysed and integrated through an iterative process to achieve consensus on the elements included in the conceptual framework.Results: The panel achieved consensus concerning the included concepts after three Delphi rounds among 15 panelists. The COATS Framework (Concepts and Opportunities to Advance Task Shifting and Task Sharing) offers a refined definition of TS/S and a general purpose statement to guide TS/S programmes. COATS describes that opportunities for health system improvement arising from TS/S programmes depending on the implementation context, and enumerates eight necessary conditions and important considerations for implementing TS/S programmes.Conclusion: The COATS Framework offers a conceptual model for TS/S programmes. The COATS Framework is comprehensive and adaptable, and can guide refinements in policy, programme development, evaluation, and research to improve TS/S globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Family medicine (FM) residents choose among a range of options as they enter practice, including practice model, clinical domains, settings, and populations. The choices they make have implications for primary care workforce planning and may differ between FM residents who are parents and those who are not, as well as between male and female FM residents. We investigate whether parenthood shapes intentions among FM residents entering practice and whether the effect of parenthood differs between male and female FM residents. Methods We conducted cross-sectional analysis of national survey data collected from FM residents in Canadian residency programs by the College of Family Physicians of Canada between 2014 and 2017. The survey captures information on intentions for comprehensive or focused practice, practice model, clinical domains, practice setting, and populations. We used chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression to investigate the relationships between parenthood, gender, and practice intentions, adjusting for other physician personal characteristics. Results Almost a quarter of FM residents were parents or became parents during residency. Intentions for the provision comprehensive care were higher among parents, and intentions for clinically focused practice were lower. Differences in intentions for practice models, domains, and settings/population were primarily by gender, though in several cases the effects of parenthood differed between female and male FM residents. Even during residency, the effects of parenthood differ between male and female residents: while three quarters of male parents finish residency in two years, fewer than half of female parents do. Conclusions Both parenthood and gender independently shape practice intentions, but the effect of parenthood differs for male and female FM residents. Supporting FM residents who are parents may positively impact the quality and availability of primary care services, especially since parents are more likely to report intentions to provide comprehensive care soon after entering practice.

RESUMÉ Contexte Préretraite (avant 65 ans) est la norme parmi les infermières et professionnels paramédicaux (PPs) employés dans le système public canadien. Comme un pays avec un population qui vieillisse rapidement, c’est dans l’intérêt meilleur du Canada d’essayer de prolonger la vie professionnelle des infermières et PPs. Objectifs 1) Tester la validité predictive de notre modèle conceptual de préretraite parmi les infermières et PPs employés dans le système public canadien; 2) Comparer, selon les professions, l’ajustement du modèle et l’importance des facteurs. Méthodes Effectué régression logistique multivariée dans deux ensembles de données, l’un composé de 483 infermières et l’autre de 177 PPs. Tous les participants avaient déjà pris leur retraite. Le nombre de répondants PP a limité notre capacité à tester le modèle de manière exhaustive. Résultats Quatre-vingt-cinq pourcent des infermières et 77% des PP avaient pris préretraite. 1) Les résultats indiquent que 25% du variance en préretraite chez les infermières et 19% du variance en préretraite chez les PPs s’expliquent par les variables incluses. 2) La restructuration organisationnelle a augmenté les probabilités de préretraite de plus de 100% chez infermières et PPs. Parmi les infermières (mais pas les PPs), le possibilité financière et les responsabilités en matière de soins étaient tous deux significativement prédictifs de la préretraite alors qu’un « désir d’arrêter de travailler » était significativement prédictif de la retraite à l’âge de 65 ans ou après. Conclusions Ç’est bien évident qu’il y a beaucoup plus à apprendre sur les chemin des infermières et PPs à la préretraite. Des plus amples recherches, explorant idéalement le rôle des caractéristiques du lieu de travail, des attitudes et des croyances vis-à-vis la retraite et des facteurs liés au travail, pourraient approfondir notre compréhension du phénomène. Most-clés ressources humaines en santé; préretraite; infermières; professionnels paramédicaux; Canada; régression logistique; planification de la main-d’œuvre.

Abstract Background Medical tourism, which involves cross-border travel to access private, non-emergency medical interventions, is growing in many Latin American Caribbean countries. The commodification and export of private health services is often promoted due to perceived economic benefits. Research indicates growing concern for health inequities caused by medical tourism, which includes its impact on health human resources, yet little research addresses the impacts of medical tourism on health human resources in destination countries and the subsequent impacts for health equity. To address this gap, we use a case study approach to identify anticipated impacts of medical tourism sector development on health human resources and the implications for health equity in Guatemala. Methods After undertaking an extensive review of media and policy discussions in Guatemala’s medical tourism sector and site visits observing first-hand the complex dynamics of this sector, in-depth key informant interviews were conducted with 50 purposefully selected medical tourism stakeholders in representing five key sectors: public health care, private health care, health human resources, civil society, and government. Participants were identified using multiple recruitment methods. Interviews were transcribed in English. Transcripts were reviewed to identify emerging themes and were coded accordingly. The coding scheme was tested for integrity and thematic analysis ensued. Data were analysed thematically. Results Findings revealed five areas of concern that relate to Guatemala’s nascent medical tourism sector development and its anticipated impacts on health human resources: the impetus to meet international training and practice standards; opportunities and demand for English language training and competency among health workers; health worker migration from public to private sector; job creation and labour market augmentation as a result of medical tourism; and the demand for specialist care. These thematic areas present opportunities and challenges for health workers and the health care system. Conclusion From a health equity perspective, the results question the responsibility of Guatemala’s medical education system for supporting an enhanced medical tourism sector, particularly with an increasing focus on the demand for private clinics, specific specialities, English-language training, and international standards. Further, significant health inequalities and barriers to care for Indigenous populations are unlikely to benefit from the impacts identified from participants, as is true for rural-urban and public-private health human resource migration.

Abstract Background As population health needs become more complex, addressing those needs increasingly requires the knowledge, skills, and judgment of multiple types of human resources for health (HRH) working interdependently. A growing emphasis on team-delivered health care is evident in several jurisdictions, including those in Canada. However, the most commonly used HRH planning models across Canada and other countries lack the capacity to plan for more than one type of HRH in an integrated manner. The purpose of this paper is to present a dynamic, multi-professional, needs-based simulation model to inform HRH planning and demonstrate the importance of two of its parameters—division of work and clinical focus—which have received comparatively little attention in HRH research to date. Methods The model estimates HRH requirements by combining features of two previously published needs-based approaches to HRH planning—a dynamic approach designed to plan for a single type of HRH at a time and a multi-professional approach designed to compare HRH supply with requirements at a single point in time. The supplies of different types of HRH are estimated using a stock-and-flow approach. Results The model makes explicit two planning parameters—the division of work across different types of HRH, and the degree of clinical focus among individual types of HRH—which have previously received little attention in the HRH literature. Examples of the impacts of these parameters on HRH planning scenarios are provided to illustrate how failure to account for them may over- or under-estimate the size of any gaps between the supply of and requirements for HRH. Conclusion This paper presents a dynamic, multi-professional, needs-based simulation model which can be used to inform HRH planning in different contexts. To facilitate its application by readers, this includes the definition of each parameter and specification of the mathematical relationships between them.

Abstract Background Ensuring healthcare delivery is dependent both on the prediction of the future demand for healthcare services and on the estimation and planning for the Health Human Resources needed to properly deliver these services. Although the Health Human Resources planning is a fascinating and widely researched topic, and despite the number of methodologies that have been used, no consensus on the best way of planning the future workforce requirements has been reported in the literature. This paper aims to contribute to the extension and diversity of the range of available methods to forecast the demand for Health Human Resources and assist in tackling the challenge of translating healthcare services to workforce requirements. Methods A method to empirically quantify the relation between healthcare services and Health Human Resources requirements is proposed. For each one of the three groups of specialties identified—Surgical specialties, Medical specialties and Diagnostic specialties (e.g., pathologists)—a Labor Requirements Function relating the number of physicians with a set of specialty-specific workload and capital variables is developed. This approach, which assumes that health managers and decision-makers control the labor levels more easily than they control the amount of healthcare services demanded, is then applied to a panel dataset comprising information on 142 public hospitals, during a 12-year period. Results This method provides interesting insights on healthcare services delivery: the number of physicians required to meet expected variations in the demand for healthcare, the effect of the technological progress on healthcare services delivery, the time spent on each type of care, the impact of Human Resources concentration on productivity, and the possible resource allocations given the opportunity cost of the physicians’ labor. Conclusions The empirical method proposed is simple and flexible and produces statistically strong models to estimate Health Human Resources requirements. Moreover, it can enable a more informed allocation of the available resources and help to achieve a more efficient delivery of healthcare services.