Safe Staffing Through New Models of Care

The global healthcare landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Forces such as workforce shortages, digital health innovations, artificial intelligence, and telehealth are reshaping how care is delivered. Advances in medical science are extending lifespans, increasing the prevalence of chronic conditions that require long-term management. At the same time, mental health challenges are escalating, climate change is influencing health outcomes, and health systems worldwide are grappling with severe staffing shortages.

These realities demand urgent and strategic action. Health systems must adapt to ensure care remains safe, high-quality, and sustainable.

To meet this moment, the Taskforce on Safe Staffing through New Models of Care was established with a clear mission: to develop a framework of analysis and guiding principles for health systems, regulatory authorities, ministries of health, and educational institutions. This framework supports the design and implementation of innovative care models that optimize workforce capabilities, harness technology, and improve patient outcomes—while maintaining cost effectiveness.

We acknowledge the vital work already underway across many organizations to analyze care delivery models. However, its framework is uniquely informed by the global maldistribution of the health workforce—where high-income countries often over-consume health worker resources, and low-income countries over-produce health workers but lack the infrastructure to employ them. This imbalance is further complicated by rising health worker migration. As the health workforce becomes a global resource for population health management, its utilization must respect cultural contexts and local regulatory, legislative, and jurisdictional systems.

This report amplifies existing research and analysis of care models, with a particular focus on care delivery across the continuum—especially in primary care, community health, and public health, where needs are most acute. It champions the effective deployment of multidisciplinary teams, ensuring all professionals work to the full extent of their capabilities in partnership with patients and families. It also emphasizes workplace safety and supportive environments to strengthen workforce retention, elevate respect for health workers, and promote healing spaces for those receiving care.

While not exhaustive, this document is intended to inspire creative thinking and bold action to address the complex challenges facing global health systems.

Taskforce members identified core principles essential to designing new models of care that align with the dynamic needs of global health systems. The document was shared globally to ensure these guiding principles have universal appeal. We invite readers to adapt these concepts within their organizations and cultural contexts. The report explores examples from diverse countries and care settings, offering evidence-based insights into effective strategies. Key priorities include:

• Empowering all health professionals to practice to the full extent of their scope and competencies.
• Developing innovative staffing models that foster interprofessional collaboration and safe staffing.
• Exploring hybrid models that incorporate delegation to assistive personnel.
• Enhancing workforce retention through workplace safety and supportive environments.
• Driving high levels of patient satisfaction and quality outcomes.
• Leveraging technology to enrich clinician-patient interactions and streamline workflows.
• Evaluating cost-effective solutions that maximize healthcare investments.
• Promoting equitable access to care, especially for underserved populations.

In this report, we aim to highlight best practices and innovative models that can be adapted to various regulatory and policy contexts. Safe staffing through new models of care is not merely a necessity; it is an imperative for the future of healthcare. As the world confronts emerging health challenges, we must embrace forward-thinking approaches that empower health professionals and assistive personnel, elevate patient experiences, and build resilient health systems equipped to meet tomorrow’s demands.

Health workforce investment is being challenged globally as governments prioritize other interests. Without the necessary investments in the workforce, achieving these principles will be difficult. This report serves as a guiding beacon for health leaders, policymakers, and educators committed to shaping the future of healthcare staffing and service delivery.