[Plans for the training of health personnel: basic considerations for its formulation]

This article presents the problem of "plans for human resources development"--formulated by some countries, but not always utilized. Although the term "development of human resources" has an ample, comprehensive meaning, the authors limit the discussion to the formative phase, leaving the utilization aspects for a future paper. The reasons for preparing such plans are analyzed within the context of the health strategies to reach the goal of HFA/2000, and the article brings up-to-date the meaning and interpretation, within that context, of some commonly used definitions and planning concepts. The authors establish a frame of reference for these plans, examining the influence of different factors in determining the course a plan may follow in its implementation. Included among these factors are: human resources policies; governmental priorities and planning measures; professional practices and how they influence the development and structure of the work force; teaching capacity, and availability of funds and of other resources. The process of formulating a plan comes next, outlining some premises and detailing the different components. The article concludes pointing out that a plan for the development of human resources is not a solution to existing problems, but should rather be used as a guideline. The authors insist as well on the flexibility of objectives and purpose, and the reason for this characteristic. Perhaps the most important conclusion is the warning that a plan for human resources development is not an isolated, independent instrument, but should be considered as an integral part of more comprehensive development plans within the health services infrastructure, and within the political, social and economic framework of a concrete reality.