Internationally educated health professionals: workforce integration and retention

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Workforce Integration
• International Migration Studies

Background:

• Internationally educated healthcare professionals (IEHPs) represent a significant, yet often underutilized, resource in Canada.
• Barriers to re-entry and retention in the Canadian healthcare system impede the full utilization of IEHPs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze the challenges faced by IEHPs in Canada.
• To explore strategies for facilitating the entry and integration of IEHPs into the Canadian healthcare workforce.
• To compare support resources available for physicians and nurses versus other healthcare professions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review summarizing existing knowledge on IEHPs in Canada.
• Discussion of common and profession-specific challenges in workforce entry and integration.
• Comparative analysis of support resources for different healthcare professions.

Main Results:

• IEHPs encounter profession-specific challenges, including global variations in professional roles and the need for cultural and communication competencies.
• Support resources vary significantly, with dedicated programs for physicians and nurses often differing from those for other IEHPs.
• The issues and strategies discussed are relevant beyond the focus province, addressing broader healthcare workforce shortages.

Conclusions:

• Facilitating IEHP integration requires a comprehensive understanding of their unique challenges and tailored support systems.
• Addressing global differences in professional practice and enhancing cultural competency are key to successful integration.
• Proactive strategies are needed to leverage IEHPs effectively, benefiting both the professionals and the healthcare system.