[Health manpower in the Americas].

Area of Science:

• Health Workforce Development
• Health Economics
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• The article reviews country studies on health manpower development from Educación médica y Salud, Vol. 20, No. 3, 1986.
• Studies from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, and the USA are included.
• The concept of disequilibrium in health workforce was used, though often replaced with 'problem' without theoretical expansion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize and analyze the health manpower situation in selected countries.
• To identify common trends and variations in health workforce development.
• To discuss factors influencing health personnel supply, demand, and distribution.

Main Methods:

• A review and synthesis of country-specific studies on health manpower.
• Analysis of health personnel categories: physicians, nurses, and other professions.
• Examination of professional training, labor market dynamics, and geographic distribution.

Main Results:

• Similar trends in health workforce development were observed across most countries.
• Significant differences exist between developed and developing countries regarding health manpower characteristics.
• Variations were also noted in English-speaking Caribbean nations.
• The occupational pyramid of health human resources was discussed, with distinct levels of training.

Conclusions:

• Despite similarities, structural and situational factors lead to country-specific variations in health workforce.
• The gap between developed and developing countries in health manpower is a key differentiator.
• Understanding the health workforce structure is crucial for effective health system planning.