Needs-based human resources for health planning (HRH, 2014)

Planning for human resources for health (HRH) is central to health systems strengthening around the world. In an effort to align Jamaica’s health workforce with the changing health needs of its people, a partnership was established between Jamaican and Canadian partners. The purpose of the work described in this paper is to describe the development and application of a needs-based HRH simulation model for pharmacists in Jamaica’s largest health region.

The research questions guiding this work were the following:

• How many public sector pharmacists will be available to provide services to residents in different future scenarios?

• How many public sector pharmacists will be required?

• What kinds of policy options may be most effective in minimizing any future ‘gap’ or difference between the numbers of public sector pharmacists available and required?