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Human Resources for Health
Published in: Human Resources for Health 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Review

Training for impact: the socio-economic impact of a fit for purpose health workforce on communities

Authors: Björg Pálsdóttir, Jean Barry, Andreia Bruno, Hugh Barr, Amy Clithero, Nadia Cobb, Jan De Maeseneer, Elsie Kiguli-Malwadde, André-Jacques Neusy, Scott Reeves, Roger Strasser, Paul Worley

Published in: Human Resources for Health | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Across the globe, a “fit for purpose” health professional workforce is needed to meet health needs and challenges while capitalizing on existing resources and strengths of communities. However, the socio-economic impact of educating and deploying a fit for purpose health workforce can be challenging to evaluate. In this paper, we provide a brief overview of six promising strategies and interventions that provide context-relevant health professional education within the health system. The strategies focused on in the paper are:
1. Distributed community-engaged learning: Education occurs in or near underserved communities using a variety of educational modalities including distance learning. Communities served provide input into and actively participate in the education process.
2. Curriculum aligned with health needs: The health and social needs of targeted communities guide education, research and service programmes.
3. Fit for purpose workers: Education and career tracks are designed to meet the needs of the communities served. This includes cadres such as community health workers, accelerated medically trained clinicians and extended generalists.
4. Gender and social empowerment: Ensuring a diverse workforce that includes women having equal opportunity in education and are supported in their delivery of health services.
5. Interprofessional training: Teaching the knowledge, skills and attitudes for working in effective teams across professions.
6. South-south and north-south partnerships: Sharing of best practices and resources within and between countries.
In sum, the sharing of resources, the development of a diverse and interprofessional workforce, the advancement of primary care and a strong community focus all contribute to a world where transformational education improves community health and maximizes the social and economic return on investment.
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Metadata
Title
Training for impact: the socio-economic impact of a fit for purpose health workforce on communities
Authors
Björg Pálsdóttir
Jean Barry
Andreia Bruno
Hugh Barr
Amy Clithero
Nadia Cobb
Jan De Maeseneer
Elsie Kiguli-Malwadde
André-Jacques Neusy
Scott Reeves
Roger Strasser
Paul Worley
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Human Resources for Health / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1478-4491
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-016-0143-6

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