Evidence to Care: Learning from a Case Study of Health Workforce Planning and COVID-19 Response in Nova Scotia

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 19-30
Author(s):  
Gail Murphy ◽  
Adrian MacKenzie ◽  
Cindy MacQuarrie ◽  
Tara Sampalli ◽  
Janet Rigby
Author(s):  
James Asamani ◽  
Christmal Christmals ◽  
Gerda Reitsma

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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (06) ◽  
pp. 35-42
Author(s):  
Dr. Susanthironanki ◽  
Dr. Suhaskulkarni ◽  
Dr. B.Srikanth Reddy ◽  
Dr. Dolardoshi ◽  
Dr. Padma Reddy

Author(s):  
Denise D. Krause

Background: There are a variety of challenges to health workforce planning, but access to data is critical for effective evidence-based decision-making. Many agencies and organizations throughout Mississippi have been collecting quality health data for many years. Those data have historically resided in data silos and have not been readily shared. A strategy was developed to build and coordinate infrastructure, capacity, tools, and resources to facilitate health workforce and population health planning throughout the state.Objective: Realizing data as the foundation upon which to build, the primary objective was to develop the capacity to collect, store, maintain, visualize, and analyze data from a variety of disparate sources -- with the ultimate goal of improving access to health care.Specific aims were to:1)  build a centralized data repository and scalable informatics platform,2)  develop a data management solution for this platform and then,3)  derive value from this platform by facilitating data visualization and analysis.Methods: We designed and constructed a managed data lake for health data from disparate sources throughout the state of Mississippi. A data management application was developed to log and track all data sources, maps and geographies, and data marts.  With this informatics platform as a foundation, we use a variety of tools to visualize and analyze data.Results: Samples of data visualizations that aim to inform health planners and policymakers are presented. Many agencies and organizations throughout the state benefit from this platform.Conclusion: The overarching goal is that by providing timely, reliable information to stakeholders, Mississippians in general will experience improved access to quality care. 


1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerin Robinson ◽  
Mary Ell ◽  
Josephine Raw ◽  
Dianne Simpson

In 1990, LaTrobe University introduced the world's first Post-Graduate Diploma in Nosology, in response to unmet demand for diagnostic coders in Victoria. After the first graduates entered employment, a two-part study was undertaken. The composition, employment levels and projected institutional demand for the coding workforce (comprising medical record administrator coders, Nosologists and “unqualified” coders) were ascertained. In parallel, the current employment levels and projected demand for the institutional medical record administrator workforce also were investigated. The institutional variables of major health care role, annual inpatient discharges and operating sector were found to impact upon employment levels and demand for both workforces by current, prospective and non-employers. The study identified a minimal projected demand for nosologists, the reasons for which are postulated, and negligible projected demand for nonqualified coding personnel. The results highlight a health current and projected employer demand for both medical record administrators and medical record administrator coders.


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