Strategies to Ensure a Resilient Health Care Workforce: International Models on Health Professions.

Abstract

The health care workforce faces challenges globally, including shortages driven by aging populations and workforce burnout, compounded by rapid technological and care delivery transformations. This article examines international case studies developed by the Future of Health, a global network of senior health leaders, to identify strategies for cultivating a resilient and adaptive health workforce. The authors highlight three key approaches: (1) harnessing technology to streamline clinical workflows and reduce administrative burden, (2) reforming existing roles to optimize skills and expand scope, and (3) introducing new professions to address emerging clinical and operational needs. Case examples include the use of artificial intelligence-powered ambient scribes to improve clinician documentation, the certification of caregivers, and the integration of medical data analysts into clinical teams. This analysis emphasizes the importance of fostering workforce trust, navigating regulatory and payment barriers, and deploying thoughtful change management. These strategies offer actionable guidance for policy makers, health system leaders, and clinicians seeking to create a flexible and efficient workforce able to meet evolving patient needs and technological advances.