Human resources for health challenges of public health system reform in Georgia
Date
2008-05
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Abstract
Background: Human resources (HR) are one of the most important components determining
performance of public health system. The aim of this study was to assess adequacy of HR of local
public health agencies to meet the needs emerging from health care reforms in Georgia.
Methods: We used the Human Resources for Health Action Framework, which includes six
components: HR management, policy, finance, education, partnerships and leadership. The study
employed: (a) quantitative methods: from September to November 2004, 30 randomly selected
district Centers of Public Health (CPH) were surveyed through face-to-face interviews with the
CPH director and one public health worker randomly selected from all professional staff; and (b)
qualitative methods: in November 2004, Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were held among 3
groups: a) 12 district public health professionals, b) 11 directors of district public health centers,
and c) 10 policy makers at central level.
Results: There was an unequal distribution of public health workers across selected institutions,
with lack of professionals in remote rural district centers and overstaffing in urban centers. Survey
respondents disagreed or were uncertain that public health workers possess adequate skills and
knowledge necessary for delivery of public health programs. FGDs shed additional light on the
survey findings that there is no clear vision and plans on HR development. Limited budget, poor
planning, and ignorance from the local government were mentioned as main reasons for inadequate
staffing. FGD participants were concerned with lack of good training institutions and training
programs, lack of adequate legislation for HR issues, and lack of necessary resources for HR
development from the government.
Conclusion: After ten years of public health system reforms in Georgia, the public health
workforce still has major problems such as irrational distribution and inadequate knowledge and
skills. There is an urgent need for re-training and training programs and development of conducive
policy environment with sufficient resources to address these problems and assure adequate
functionality of public health programs.
Description
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Journal Article (peer-reviewed)
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Keywords
HEALTH PERSONNEL, HEALTH HUMAN RESOURCES, HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH ACTION FRAMEWORK, HEALTH SERVICES, HEALTH SYSTEM, PUBLIC HEALTH, HEALTHCARE REFORM
Citation
Djibuti, M., Gotsadze, G., Mataradze, G., & Menabde, G. (2008). Human resources for health challenges of public health system reform in Georgia. Human Resources for Health, 6 (8). doi:10.1186/1478-4491-6-8
DOI
Collections
IDRC Research Results / Résultats de recherches du CRDI
2000-2009 / Années 2000-2009
Canadian International Immunization Initiative (CIII2) / l’initiative canadienne d’immunisation internationale
Health Systems Research / recherche sur les systèmes de santé
Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) / la santé de la mère, du nouveau-né, et de l’enfant
Research Results (GHRI) / Résultats de recherches (IRSM)
2000-2009 / Années 2000-2009
Canadian International Immunization Initiative (CIII2) / l’initiative canadienne d’immunisation internationale
Health Systems Research / recherche sur les systèmes de santé
Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) / la santé de la mère, du nouveau-né, et de l’enfant
Research Results (GHRI) / Résultats de recherches (IRSM)