A dynamic, multi-professional, needs-based simulation model to inform human resources for health planning.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Health Workforce Planning
• Simulation Modeling

Background:

• Complex population health needs necessitate interdependent, team-based healthcare delivery.
• Current human resources for health (HRH) planning models in Canada and globally lack integrated, multi-professional capacity.
• There is a growing emphasis on team-delivered care across various health jurisdictions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a dynamic, multi-professional, needs-based simulation model for informing HRH planning.
• To demonstrate the significance of work division and clinical focus parameters in HRH planning.
• To address limitations in existing HRH planning models regarding integrated, multi-professional approaches.

Main Methods:

• Combines features of dynamic, single-HRH type planning with static, multi-professional comparison approaches.
• Estimates HRH requirements using a needs-based simulation framework.
• Utilizes a stock-and-flow approach to estimate supplies of different HRH types.

Main Results:

• The model explicitly incorporates division of work and clinical focus, parameters often overlooked in HRH literature.
• Illustrates the impact of these parameters on HRH planning scenarios.
• Demonstrates how neglecting these factors can lead to over- or under-estimation of HRH gaps.

Conclusions:

• Presents a versatile dynamic, multi-professional, needs-based simulation model for HRH planning.
• Provides parameter definitions and mathematical relationships to aid model application.
• Emphasizes the critical role of work division and clinical focus in accurate HRH planning.