Global health workforce strategies to address the COVID-19 pandemic: Learning lessons for the future

Authors

Gemma A. Williams, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.
Margaret Ziemann, Department of Health Policy & Management, Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Candice Chen, Department of Health Policy & Management, Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Rebecca Forman, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.
Anna Sagan, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK.
Patricia Pittman, Department of Health Policy & Management, Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-17-2024

Journal

The International journal of health planning and management

DOI

10.1002/hpm.3762

Keywords

COVID-19; health systems policy; healthcare policy; healthcare workforce; human resources for health

Abstract

COVID-19 put unprecedented strain on the health and care workforce (HCWF). Yet, it also brought the HCWF to the forefront of the policy agenda and revealed many innovative solutions that can be built upon to overcome persistent workforce challenges. In this perspective, which draws on a Policy Brief prepared for the WHO Fifth Global Forum on Human Resources for Health, we present findings from a scoping review of global emergency workforce strategies implemented during the pandemic and consider what we can learn from them for the long-term sustainability of the HCWF. Our review shows that strategies to strengthen HCWF capacity during COVID-19 fell into three categories: (1) surging supply of health and care workers (HCWs); (2) optimizing the use of the workforce in terms of setting, skills and roles; and (3) providing HCWs with support and protection. While some initiatives were only short-term strategies, others have potential to be continued. COVID-19 demonstrated that changes to scope-of-practice and the introduction of team-based roles are possible and central to an effective, sustainable workforce. Additionally, the use of technology and digital tools increased rapidly during COVID-19 and can be built on to enhance access and efficiency. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of prioritizing the security, safety, and physical and mental health of workers, implementing measures that are gender and equity-focused, and ensuring the centrality of the worker perspective in efforts to improve HCWF retention. Flexibility of regulatory, financial, technical measures and quality assurance was critical in facilitating the implementation of HCWF strategies and needs to be continued. The lessons learned from COVID-19 can help countries strengthen the HCWF, health systems, and the health and well-being of all, now and in the future.

APA Citation

Williams, Gemma A.; Ziemann, Margaret; Chen, Candice; Forman, Rebecca; Sagan, Anna; and Pittman, Patricia, "Global health workforce strategies to address the COVID-19 pandemic: Learning lessons for the future" (2024). GW Authored Works. Paper 4164.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/4164

Department

Health Policy and Management