Checklist for the Management of Human Resources for Health in Response to COVID-19, 6 May 2020

Abstract

In order to address the COVID-19 pandemic, countries and health institutions must have the capacity to respond with human resources that are sufficient in quantity and possess the skills and capacities necessary to meet the needs of the population in a timely, relevant, efficient, and effective manner. Effective management of human resources will allow health systems to respond in a timely manner, improve health care outcomes, rationalize the use of resources, and reduce the stress on staff. The COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges to ensure the availability of health personnel in areas of high demand with the necessary capacities to respond adequately to increased demand and expansion of services as well as the possible reduction in available personnel due to, among other things, illness, risk situations, and personal or family issues. Planning of human resources is essential to ensure preparedness for response, enhance surge capacity, and ensure a sufficient supply of health workers that are more efficient and productive, providing them with the training, protections, rights, recognition, and tools necessary to undertake their roles.