scholarly journals An integrated primary care workforce planning toolkit at the regional level (part 1): qualitative tools compiled for decision-makers in Toronto, Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Chamberland-Rowe ◽  
Sarah Simkin ◽  
Ivy Lynn Bourgeault
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Health Authority ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Workforce Planning ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Health Workforce Planning ◽  
Professional Needs ◽  
Primary Care Workforce ◽  
Planning Processes

Abstract Background A regional health authority in Toronto, Canada, identified health workforce planning as an essential input to the implementation of their comprehensive Primary Care Strategy. The goal of this project was to develop an evidence-informed toolkit for integrated, multi-professional, needs-based primary care workforce planning for the region. This article presents the qualitative workforce planning processes included in the toolkit. Methods To inform the workforce planning process, we undertook a targeted review of the health workforce planning literature and an assessment of existing planning models. We assessed models based on their alignment with the core needs and key challenges of the health authority: multi-professional, population needs-based, accommodating short-term planning horizons and multiple planning scales, and addressing key challenges including population mobility and changing provider practice patterns. We also assessed the strength of evidence surrounding the models’ performance and acceptability. Results We developed a fit-for-purpose health workforce planning toolkit, integrating elements from existing models and embedding key features that address the region’s specific planning needs and objectives. The toolkit outlines qualitative workforce planning processes, including scenario generation tools that provide opportunities for patient and provider engagement. Tools include STEEPLED Analysis, SWOT Analysis, an adaptation of Porter’s Five Forces Framework, and Causal Loop Diagrams. These planning processes enable the selection of policy interventions that are robust to uncertainty and that are appropriate and acceptable at the regional level. Conclusions The qualitative inputs that inform health workforce planning processes are often overlooked, but they represent an essential part of an evidence-informed toolkit to support integrated, multi-professional, needs-based primary care workforce planning.

scholarly journals An Integrated Primary Care Workforce Planning Toolkit at the Regional Level (Part 1): Qualitative Tools Compiled for Decision-Makers in Toronto, Canada

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Chamberland-Rowe ◽  
Sarah Simkin ◽  
Ivy Lynn Bourgeault
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Health Authority ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Workforce Planning ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Health Workforce Planning ◽  
Professional Needs ◽  
Primary Care Workforce ◽  
Planning Processes

Abstract Background: A regional health authority in Toronto, Canada identified health workforce planning as an essential input to the implementation of their comprehensive Primary Care Strategy. The goal of this project was to develop an evidence-informed toolkit for integrated, multi-professional, needs-based primary care workforce planning for the region. This article presents the qualitative workforce planning processes included in the toolkit.Methods: To inform the workforce planning process, we undertook a targeted review of the health workforce planning literature and an assessment of existing planning models. We assessed models based on their alignment with the core needs and key challenges of the health authority: multi-professional, population needs-based, accommodating short-term planning horizons and multiple planning scales, and addressing key challenges including population mobility and changing provider practice patterns. We also assessed the strength of evidence surrounding the models’ performance and acceptability. Results: We developed a fit-for-purpose health workforce planning toolkit, integrating elements from existing models and embedding key features that address the region’s specific planning needs and objectives. The toolkit outlines qualitative workforce planning processes, including scenario generation tools that provide opportunities for patient and provider engagement. Tools include PESTLE Analysis, SWOT Analysis, an adaptation of Porter’s Five Forces Framework, and Causal Loop Diagrams. These planning processes enable the selection of policy interventions that are robust to uncertainty and that are appropriate and acceptable at the regional level.Conclusions: The qualitative components informing health workforce planning process are an often overlooked but essential part of an evidence-informed toolkit to support integrated, multi-professional, needs-based primary care workforce planning.

scholarly journals An Integrated Primary Care Workforce Planning Toolkit at The Regional Level (Part 2) Quantitative Tools Compiled for Decision-Makers in Toronto, Canada

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Simkin ◽  
Caroline Chamberland-Rowe ◽  
Ivy Lynn Bourgeault
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Workforce Planning ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Health Workforce Planning ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Professional Needs ◽  
Primary Care Workforce ◽  
Health Need

Abstract Background: Health workforce planning capability at a regional level is increasingly necessary to ensure that the healthcare needs of defined local populations can be met by the health workforce. In 2016, a regional health authority in Toronto, Canada identified a need for more robust health workforce planning infrastructure and processes. The goal of this project was to develop an evidence-informed toolkit for integrated, multi-professional, needs-based primary care workforce planning for the region. This article presents the quantitative component of the workforce planning toolkit and describes the process followed to develop this tool.Methods: We first developed a framework for quantitative health workforce planning to assess the alignment of regional service requirements with the service capacity of the workforce. We then conducted an environmental scan to identify datasets addressing population health need and profession-specific health workforce supply that could contribute to quantitative health workforce modeling. We assessed these sources of data for comprehensiveness, quality, and availability.Results: The quantitative model developed as part of the toolkit includes components relating to both population health need and health workforce supply. Different modules were developed to capture the information, including an allocation process for optimizing service delivery. Only data elements meeting criteria for quality, availability, and comprehensiveness were integrated into the model.Conclusions: A quantitative health workforce planning model is a necessary component of any health workforce planning toolkit. In combination with qualitative tools, it supports integrated, multi-professional, needs-based primary care workforce planning.

scholarly journals An integrated primary care workforce planning toolkit at the regional level (part 2): quantitative tools compiled for decision-makers in Toronto, Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Simkin ◽  
Caroline Chamberland-Rowe ◽  
Ivy Lynn Bourgeault
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Workforce Planning ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Planning Model ◽  
Health Workforce Planning ◽  
Professional Needs ◽  
Primary Care Workforce ◽  
Health Need

Abstract Background Health workforce planning capability at a regional level is increasingly necessary to ensure that the healthcare needs of defined local populations can be met by the health workforce. In 2016, a regional health authority in Toronto, Canada, identified a need for more robust health workforce planning infrastructure and processes. The goal of this project was to develop an evidence-informed toolkit for integrated, multi-professional, needs-based primary care workforce planning for the region. This article presents the quantitative component of the workforce planning toolkit and describes the process followed to develop this tool. Methods We conducted an environmental scan to identify datasets addressing population health need and profession-specific health workforce supply that could contribute to quantitative health workforce modelling. We assessed these sources of data for comprehensiveness, quality, and availability. We also developed a quantitative health workforce planning model to assess the alignment of regional service requirements with the service capacity of the workforce. Results The quantitative model developed as part of the toolkit includes components relating to both population health need and health workforce supply. Different modules were developed to capture the information and address local issues impacting delivery and planning of primary care health services in Toronto. Conclusions A quantitative health workforce planning model is a necessary component of any health workforce planning toolkit. In combination with qualitative tools, it supports integrated, multi-professional, needs-based primary care workforce planning. This type of planning presents an opportunity to address inequities in access and outcome for regional populations.

scholarly journals Lessons Learnt during the Implementation of WISN for Comprehensive Primary Health Care in India, South Africa and Peru

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12541
Author(s):  
Sikhumbuzo A. Mabunda ◽  
Mona Gupta ◽  
Wezile W. Chitha ◽  
Ntombifikile G. Mtshali ◽  
Claudia Ugarte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Workforce Planning ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
Health Workforce Planning ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Lessons Learnt ◽  
Context Specific

Introduction: The World Health Organization introduced the workload indicators of staffing needs (WISN) in 1998 to improve country-level health workforce planning. This study presents the primary care health workforce planning experiences of India, South Africa and Peru. Methods: A case study approach was used to explore the lessons learnt in the implementation of WISN in India and South Africa. It also describes the methods developed and implemented to estimate health workforce in Peru. We identify the barriers and facilitators faced by countries during the implementation phase through the triangulation of literature, government reports and accounts of involved health planners in the three countries. Results: India implemented WISN in a referral pathway of three district health facilities, including a primary health centre, community health centre and district hospital. Implementation was impeded by limited technical support, poor stakeholder consultation and information systems challenges. South Africa implemented WISN for health workforce planning in primary care and found the skills mix and staff determinations to be unaffordable. The Peruvian Ministry of Health considered using WISN but decided to develop a context-specific tool to estimate the health workforce needed using its available resources such as the National Register of Health Personnel. The main challenge in using WISN was the insufficient information on its inputs. Conclusion: While India and South Africa had unique experiences with the integration of WISN in their health system, none of the countries has yet benefited from the implementation of WISN due to financial, infrastructure and technical challenges. Since the methodology developed by the Peruvian Ministry of Health is context-specific, its implementation has been promising for health workforce planning. The learnings from these countries’ experiences will prove useful in bringing future changes for the health workforce.

Regional health workforce planning through action research: lessons for commissioning health services from a case study in Far North Queensland

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annette June Panzera ◽  
Richard Murray ◽  
Ruth Stewart ◽  
Jane Mills ◽  
Neil Beaton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Workforce Planning ◽  
World Health ◽  
Regional Health ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Health Workforce Planning ◽  
Far North ◽  
Planning Processes

Creating a stable and sustainable health workforce in regional, rural and remote Australia has long been a challenge to health workforce planners, policy makers and researchers alike. Traditional health workforce planning is often reactive and assumes continuation of current patterns of healthcare utilisation. This demonstration project in Far North Queensland exemplifies how participatory regional health workforce planning processes can accurately model current and projected local workforce requirements. The recent establishment of Primary Health Networks (PHNs) with the intent to commission health services tailored to individual healthcare needs underlines the relevance of such an approach. This study used action research methodology informed by World Health Organization (WHO) systems thinking. Four cyclical stages of health workforce planning were followed: needs assessment; health service model redesign; skills-set assessment and workforce redesign; and development of a workforce and training plan. This study demonstrated that needs-based loco-regional health workforce planning can be achieved successfully through participatory processes with stakeholders. Stronger health systems and workforce training solutions were delivered by facilitating linkages and planning processes based on community need involving healthcare professionals across all disciplines and sectors. By focusing upon extending competencies and skills sets, local health professionals form a stable and sustainable local workforce. Concrete examples of initiatives generated from this process include developing a chronic disease inter-professional teaching clinic in a rural town and renal dialysis being delivered locally to an Aboriginal community. The growing trend of policy makers decentralising health funding, planning and accountability and rising health system costs increase the future utility of this approach. This type of planning can also assist the new PHNs to commission health services that meet the needs of the population and contribute to service and system improvement and innovation.

scholarly journals Co-developing an integrated primary care workforce planning approach at a regional level: overarching framework and guiding principles

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivy Lynn Bourgeault ◽  
Caroline Chamberland-Rowe ◽  
Sarah Simkin
Keyword(s):  
Population Health ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Complex Adaptive System ◽  
Workforce Planning ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Regional Level ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Health Workforce Planning ◽  
Complex Adaptive

AbstractHealth workforce planning provides a crucial evidence-base for decision-makers in the development and deployment of a fit-for-purpose workforce. Although less common, health workforce planning at the regional level helps to ground planning in the unique realities of local health systems. This commentary provides an overview of the process by which an integrated primary healthcare workforce planning toolkit was co-developed by university-based researchers with the Canadian Health Workforce Network and partners within a major urban regional health authority. The co-development process was guided by a conceptual framework emphasizing the key principles of sound health workforce planning: that it (1) be informed by evidence both quantitative and qualitative in nature; (2) be driven by population health needs and achieve population, worker and system outcomes; (3) recognize that deployment is geographically based and interprofessionally bound within a complex adaptive system; and (4) be embedded in a cyclical process of aligning evolving population health needs and workforce capacity.

scholarly journals Advancing the Population Needs-Based Health Workforce Planning Methodology: A Simulation Tool for Country Application

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2113
Author(s):  
James Asamani ◽  
Christmal Christmals ◽  
Gerda Reitsma
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Health Workforce ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Workforce Planning ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Simulation Tool ◽  
Flow Process ◽  
Health Workforce Planning

Although the conceptual underpinnings of needs-based health workforce planning have developed over the last two decades, lingering gaps in empirical models and lack of open access tools have partly constrained its uptake in health workforce planning processes in countries. This paper presents an advanced empirical framework for the need-based approach to health workforce planning with an open-access simulation tool in Microsoft® Excel to facilitate real-life health workforce planning in countries. Two fundamental mathematical models are used to quantify the supply of, and need for, health professionals, respectively. The supply-side model is based on a stock-and-flow process, and the need-side model extents a previously published analytical frameworks using the population health needs-based approach. We integrate the supply and need analyses by comparing them to establish the gaps in both absolute and relative terms, and then explore their cost implications for health workforce policy and strategy. To illustrate its use, the model was used to simulate a real-life example using midwives and obstetricians/gynaecologists in the context of maternal and new-born care in Ghana. Sensitivity analysis showed that if a constant level of health was assumed (as in previous works), the need for health professionals could have been underestimated in the long-term. Towards universal health coverage, the findings reveal a need to adopt the need-based approach for HWF planning and to adjust HWF supply in line with population health needs.

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