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Comparing Health Workforce Policy during a Major Global Health Crisis: A Critical Conceptual Debate and International Empirical Investigation

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  • Ellen Kuhlmann

    (Clinic for Rheumatology and Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30265 Hannover, Germany
    Sociology of Health and Health Systems, Faculty I, University of Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 1, 57068 Siegen, Germany)

  • Jean-Louis Denis

    (Département de Gestion, D’évaluation et de Politique de Santé École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128 Succursale A, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada)

  • Nancy Côté

    (Département de Sociologie, Université Laval, Pavillon Charles-De Koninck, 1030, Avenue des Sciences-Humaines, Bureau 3469, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

  • Gabriela Lotta

    (Department of Public Administration, Getulio Vargas Foundation, Av Nove de Julho 2029, São Paulo 01313-902, Brazil
    Center of Metropolitan Studies, Cidade Universitária, 109, São Paulo 05508-060, Brazil)

  • Stefano Neri

    (Department of Social and Political Sciences, University of Milan, Via Conservatorio 7, 20122 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Background: The health workforce is central to healthcare systems and population health, but marginal in comparative health policy. This study aims to highlight the crucial relevance of the health workforce and contribute comparative evidence to help improve the protection of healthcare workers and prevention of inequalities during a major public health crisis. Methods: Our integrated governance framework considers system, sector, organizational and socio-cultural dimensions of health workforce policy. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as the policy field and Brazil, Canada, Italy, and Germany as illustrative cases. We draw on secondary sources (literature, document analysis, public statistics, reports) and country expert information with a focus on the first COVID-19 waves until the summer of 2021. Results: Our comparative investigation illustrates the benefits of a multi-level governance approach beyond health system typologies. In the selected countries, we found similar problems and governance gaps concerning increased workplace stress, lack of mental health support, and gender and racial inequalities. Health policy across countries failed to adequately respond to the needs of HCWs, thus exacerbating inequalities during a major global health crisis. Conclusions: Comparative health workforce policy research may contribute new knowledge to improve health system resilience and population health during a crisis.

Suggested Citation

  • Ellen Kuhlmann & Jean-Louis Denis & Nancy Côté & Gabriela Lotta & Stefano Neri, 2023. "Comparing Health Workforce Policy during a Major Global Health Crisis: A Critical Conceptual Debate and International Empirical Investigation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:6:p:5035-:d:1095412
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    References listed on IDEAS

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