New WHO policy options call for stronger integration of health and care workforce

 

How can countries better recognize, develop and support care workers as an integral part of the health workforce?

 

The new publication, Development, management and support of care workers – towards an integrated health and care workforce: policy options launched by the WHO Academy address this increasingly important question as populations age and more people require support because of disability, chronic health conditions and other care needs. The new publication highlights that health and care are often planned separately, while care workers, many of whom are women and girls and may be paid or unpaid, can be overlooked in health workforce planning. 

 

The policy options cover 20 thematic areas across the career journey, from entering the workforce, to support throughout working life, to managing workforce exits. Two priorities emerge particularly strongly: strengthening education and training, and improving working conditions, including wages. 

 

For nurses and midwives, this provides an important opportunity to consider how different members of the health and care workforce can be better prepared, supported and integrated to deliver people-centred care.

 

 

👉 How do nurses and midwives work alongside care workers in your country or setting?
👉 What would stronger integration mean for education, teamwork and quality of care?
👉 What policy or practice changes could better support the people providing care throughout their working lives?

 

 

🔗 Read the New WHO policy options call for stronger integration of health and care workforce