Grant: Cat Gr:Policy Res. for Health Sys. Transf.- Canadian Healthcare Workforce

The aim of this project is to inform policy to support regional health human resource (HHR) planning for integrated care strategies. In order to meet the health needs of local populations a regional approach to HHR planning is needed. Integrated models of care support the needs of their local populations by bringing health care providers and sectors together to deliver seamless care across the continuum. Ontario Health Teams are an example of an integrated care model. Most approaches to HHR planning either focus on a single profession, one sector or a specific group of people. To meet the health needs of local populations we need to take an approach that considers the broad population, the providers and all the sectors of the system. Few examples are available to support local health workforce planning. Objectives: 1. Understand the contextual factors that influence regional planning and apply an HHR planning framework driven by population health needs in one Ontario Health Team; 2. Reflect on the evidence generated in objective 1 and contextualize how policymakers and knowledge users can implement the proposed policy options related to regional HHR planning; and 3.Co-develop a set of policy options to inform integrated care models for regional HHR planning. Methods: Multiple methods conducted in three inter-related phases. Phase 1 will use a single case study design. We will conduct key informant interviews, apply a population focused HHR planning framework and examine HHR planning related documents within one Ontario Health Team. A draft policy brief will be created. Phase 2 will use deliberative dialogues to engage policy makers and knowledge users. Phase 3 will use member checking methods to refine and inform the final set of policy recommendations. Impact: The knowledge generated and resultant policy recommendations will offer a template for how other integrated care models can support regional HHR planning to meet local population needs.