Resource Spotlight: Task Shifting to Tackle Health Worker Shortages


 
Task Shifting
Task Shifting © WHO

Countries all around the world have made significant progress in scaling up HIV services. Nevertheless, major barriers must be overcome if universal access is to be achieved. One of the main constraints is a serious shortage of health workers—the people on the front line of the efforts to prevent and treat HIV infection.

Task shifting is the name now given to a process of delegation whereby tasks are moved, where appropriate, to less specialized health workers. By reorganizing the workforce in this way, task shifting can make more efficient use of the human resources currently available. For example, when doctors are in short supply, a qualified nurse could often prescribe and dispense antiretroviral therapy. Further, community workers can potentially deliver a wide range of HIV services, thus freeing the time of qualified nurses.

Adapted from author.

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