Health workforce planning and service expansion during an economic crisis: A case study of the national breast screening programme in Ireland. Issue 12 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McHugh, S.M.; Tyrrell, E.; Johnson, B.; Healy, O.; Perry, I.J.; Normand, C.
• Is Part Of: Health policy. Volume 119:Issue 12(2015)
• Page Start: 1593
• Page End: 1599
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Health workforce planning -- Workload modelling -- Skill mix -- Breast cancer screening -- Service efficiency under austerity conditions -- Ireland; Medical education -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Delivery of Health Care -- Periodicals; Education, Medical -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; Health Planning -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Enseignement médical -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Medical education; Medical policy; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2015.08.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-8510

Abstract

Highlights: Service extension is possible with minimal additional staff and increased equipment utilisation. Balancing the skill mix of the health workforce is important for service efficiency. Skill mix changes should include health professions and administrative staff. Service extension is possible under austerity conditions, if workforce planning is improved. A workload model can contribute to efficient health workforce planning. Abstract: This article aims to estimate the workforce and resource implications of the proposed age extension of the national breast screening programme, under the economic constraints of reduced health budgets and staffing levels in the Irish health system. Using a mixed method design, a purposive sample of 20 participants were interviewed and data were analysed thematically (June–September 2012). Quantitative data (programme-level activity data, screening activity, staffing levels and screening plans) were used to model potential workload and resource requirements. The analysis indicates that over 90% operational efficiency was achieved throughout the first six months of 2012. Accounting for maternity leave (10%) and sick leave (3.5%), 16.1 additional radiographers (whole time equivalent) would be required for the workload created by the age extension of the screening programme, at 90% operational efficiency. The results suggest that service expansion is possible with relatively minimal additional radiography resources if the efficiency of the skill mix and the use of equipment are improved. Investing in the appropriate skill mix should not be limited to clinical groups but should also include administrative staff to manage and support the service. Workload modelling may contribute to improved health workforce planning and service efficiency.