A Strategic Approach to Humanitarian Medical Manpower Planning
Abstract
The demand for soft power tools to positively influence stability and security has increased interest in Humanitarian Medical Assistance. Current medical manpower determination processes for staffing medical missions are based on the Required Operational Capabilities in the Projected Operational Environment. These platforms are designed to support combat casualty, disaster relief, and readiness training. The current manpower process fails to capture country-centric health care requirements associated with peacetime missions. To develop a country-centric approach, a demand-driven manpower model was constructed using standard health statistical indicators. The model draws from the statistical indicators to align medical manpower workload to country health objectives for delivery at the community level. The model framework guides medical planners in identifying mission essential medical programs and services. It shifts manpower planning from scenario based to country capability and needs assessment; which improves alignment to transformational doctrine. Finally, it creates clarity by using actual standard health statistics, thereby fostering prioritization of medical services and improved coordination with stakeholders, such as nongovernmental organizations. It is recommended that a country-centric planning approach be adopted to optimize manpower resources and improve overall operational effectiveness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA479676
Entities
People
- Kathleen K. Cooperman
- Linda J. Houde
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School