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Health workforce resilience in the age of polycrisis: A framework to support health workforce policy and planning

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  • Onvlee, Olivier
  • Jacobs, Eelco
  • Tromp, Noor
  • Bailey, Ajay
  • Dieleman, Marjolein

Abstract

Many countries face prolonged health workforce crises, marked by shortages, maldistribution, skills mix imbalances and attrition. When workforces are overstretched, they become more vulnerable to external shocks and chronic strains, including infectious disease outbreaks, climate-related effects and political instability. This is particularly concerning as an emerging global “polycrisis” means such external pressures increasingly interact and amplify one another in unpredictable ways. Strengthening health workforce resilience must therefore become a priority for policy and planning.

Suggested Citation

  • Onvlee, Olivier & Jacobs, Eelco & Tromp, Noor & Bailey, Ajay & Dieleman, Marjolein, 2026. "Health workforce resilience in the age of polycrisis: A framework to support health workforce policy and planning," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:164:y:2026:i:c:s0168851025002544
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2025.105500
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Viola Burau & Michelle Falkenbach & Stefano Neri & Stephen Peckham & Iris Wallenburg & Ellen Kuhlmann, 2022. "Health system resilience and health workforce capacities: Comparing health system responses during the COVID‐19 pandemic in six European countries," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(4), pages 2032-2048, July.
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