Implementation of Multi-Professional, Needs-Based Health Workforce Planning in Nova Scotia: Progress and Challenges.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Health Workforce Planning
• Population Health Management

Background:

• Health system transformation requires effective health workforce planning.
• Population needs-based planning aligns workforce supply with community health demands.
• Nova Scotia is undertaking initiatives to implement this planning approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the implementation of multi-professional, population needs-based health workforce planning in Nova Scotia.
• To identify successes and challenges encountered during this implementation process.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative review of implementation efforts across different health sectors.
• Identification of key enablers and challenges through ongoing project monitoring.

Main Results:

• Implementation is most advanced in COVID-19 response and continuing care sectors.
• Primary care and mental health and addictions sectors have similar efforts underway.
• Key enablers identified: robust workforce supply data and strong health system partner collaboration.
• Major challenges include lack of provincial clinical service planning, standardized service levels, and systematic data collection for workload and outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Population needs-based health workforce planning is progressing in Nova Scotia, supported by data and collaboration.
• Significant challenges persist, particularly the need for provincial service planning and outcome-based data collection.
• Addressing these challenges is crucial for successful health system transformation and improved health service delivery.