The inclusion of mothers in human resources for health planning

Aim This paper examines the possibility of including families, particularly mothers, within the health workforce using the human resource for health planning model to improve newborn outcomes. Background In many low- and middle-income countries, there is a critical shortage of healthcare providers which impacts care for the neonatal population. A maternal and newborn health need that is prevalent in such countries is the care available between pregnancy and the postnatal period, where significant maternal and newborn deaths occur. Sources of evidence Using the population health need of the neonatal population in Tanzania, this paper explores the opportunity to include mothers as an additional human resource for health within the Needs-Based Health Human Resources and Health Systems Planning model. Discussion In relation to educating and engaging family caregivers, the possible extension of the health workforce to include mothers as a response to meeting the healthcare needs of the neonatal population has yet to be explored. Through mothers and healthcare providers working together to address the population health need of essential newborn care, it offers a way forward for planning the resources needed in a health system. If utilized, mothers offer the opportunity to supplement the demand for human resources for health in the provision of newborn care, without replacing healthcare providers. Conclusion Mothers as potential members of the health workforce furthers the health system as a whole whereby population health needs are addressed and newborn mortality declines. Implications for health policy To solve the critical gap based on the supply of and demand for providers including doctors, nurses and midwives, a broader look at innovative solutions is essential. Implications for nursing practice Mothers offer the opportunity to supplement the available human resources for health in the provision of newborn care, thus helping to close existing gaps.