COVID-19 and human resources for health: analysis of planning, policy responses and actions in Latin American and Caribbean countries

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to worldwide health service disruptions, due mainly to insufficient staff availability. To gain insight into policy responses and engage with policy-makers, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed a global approach to assess and measure the impact of COVID-19 on the health workforce. As part of this, WHO, together with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), supported an impact analysis of COVID-19 on health workers and policy responses, through country case studies in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Methods We sought to identify lessons learned from policies on human resources for health (HRH) during health emergencies, to improve HRH readiness. First, we performed a rapid literature review for information-gathering. Second, we used the WHO interim guidance and impact measurement framework for COVID-19 and HRH to systematically organize that information. Finally, we used the Health Labour Market Framework to guide the content analysis on COVID-19 response in eight LAC countries and identify lessons learned to improve HRH readiness. Results Planning and implementing the COVID-19 response required strengthening HRH governance and HRH data and information systems. The results suggest two main aspects for HRH governance crucial to enabling an agile response: (1) aligning objectives among ministries to define and produce regulation and policy actions; and (2) agreeing on the strategy for HRH management between the public and private sectors, and between central and local governments. We identified three areas for improvement: (a) HRH information systems; (b) methodologies to estimate HRH needs; and (c) teams to analyse information for decision-making. Three key actions were identified during countries monitored, reviewed, and updated their response stages: (i) strengthening response through primary health care; (ii); planning HRH needs to implement the vaccination plan; and (iii) securing long-term HRH availability. Conclusion Countries coordinated and articulated with different stakeholders to align objectives, allocate resources, and agree on policy actions to implement the COVID-19 response. Data and information for HRH preparedness and implementation were key in enabling an agile COVID-19 response and are key areas to explore for improved pandemic preparedness.

“I think they should give primary health care a little more priority”. The primary health care in Caribbean SIDS: what can be said about adaptation to the changing climate? The case of Dominica— a qualitative study

“…Participants in the study reiterated that there is an extreme shortage of human resources for health, infrastructure deficiencies, and constraints on other resources for carrying out daily healthcare activities, which inhibit the ability to carry out basic operations of PHC facilities. It has already been noted that in the Caribbean region, there is a long-term problem of lack of equipment and shortages in the number and quantity of different categories of personnel, as well as the poor distribution of personnel within the health care system [ 18 , 47 ]. The importance of the health workforce has been highlighted in building capacity for climate resilience [ 48 ].…”

“…The importance of the health workforce has been highlighted in building capacity for climate resilience [ 48 ]. The consequence of not addressing long-term problems is that they are exacerbated during periods of instability, as was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 47 ].…”

I think they should give primary health care a little more priority. The Primary Health Care in Caribbean SIDS: What can be said about adaptation to the changing climate? The case of Dominica. A qualitative study

“…Participants in the study reiterated that there is an extreme shortage of human resources for health, infrastructure de ciencies and constraints on other resources for carrying out daily healthcare activities, which inhibit the ability to carry out basic operations of PHC facilities. It has already been noted that in the Caribbean region, there is a long-term problem of lack of equipment and shortages in the number and quantity of different categories of personnel, as well as the maldistribution of personnel within the health care system (15,47). The importance of the health workforce has been highlighted in building capacity for climate resilience (48).…”

“…The importance of the health workforce has been highlighted in building capacity for climate resilience (48). The consequence of not addressing long-term issues is that they are exacerbated during periods of instability, as was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic (47).…”

El diálogo político sanitario para el fortalecimiento de enfermería en Uruguay

“…Uno de los principales logros del desarrollo del DPEU fue facilitar, a los tomadores de decisiones del país, la información y datos actuales obtenidos directamente de los profesionales, para discutir y preparar políticas y establecer nuevos compromisos. Seguramente, con la implementación de los proyectos, se logrará el fortalecimiento del sistema de salud nacional ( 19 , 28 ).…”