Healthcare workforce (HWF) shortages are the biggest challenges today in healthcare systems. Therefore, it is crucial to forecast the future needs of HWFs in order to plan accordingly. The purpose of this study was to identify, map, and synthesize the tools, methods, and procedures for measuring medical staff deficits in Europe. We used the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review methodology. Based on predefined criteria, 38 publications that were retrieved from multiple scientific databases, hand-searched on the internet, from relevant organizations, and scanned from references were considered. They were published between 2002 and 2022. There were 25 empirical studies, 6 theoretical papers, 5 reports, 1 literature review, and 1 guidebook. The majority estimated or measured shortages of physicians (14/38) and nurses (7/38) or looked at HWF generally (10/38). Various methods were used, including projections, estimations, predictions, simulation models, and surveys, which used tools such as special computer software or customized indicators, i.e., the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need method. Researchers estimated HWF shortages at both national and regional levels. Such projections and estimations were often based on demand, supply, and/or need. These methods and tools are not always suited to the needs of a country or medical facility, which is why they need to be further developed and tested.

Background: Due to the significant staff shortages, emigration of health professionals is one of the key challenges for many healthcare systems. Objective: The aim of this article is to explore the estimated trends and directions of emigration among Polish health professionals. Methods: The emigration phenomenon of Polish health professionals is still under-researched and the number of studies in this field is limited. Thus, the authors have triangulated data using two methods: a data analysis of five national registers maintained by chambers of professionals (doctors, nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and laboratory diagnosticians), and data analysis from the Regulated Profession Database in The EU Single Market. Results: According to the data from national registers, between 7–9% of practicing doctors and nurses have applied for certificates, which confirm their right to practice their profession in other European countries (most often the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Spain, and Ireland). The relatively high number of such certificates applied for by physiotherapists is also worrying. Emigration among pharmacists and laboratory diagnosticians is rather marginal. Conclusions: Urgent implementation of an effective mechanism for monitoring emigration trends is necessary. Furthermore, it is not possible to retain qualified professionals without systemic improvement of working conditions within the Polish healthcare system.

The healthcare sector faces a critical shortage of healthcare workers, creating significant challenges in healthcare delivery. The use of Information Technology (IT) solutions in healthcare presents potential remedies to reduce the negative consequences of this problem. The purpose of this study was to identify IT solutions implemented to mitigate the effects of medical shortages and improve administrative processes and care access. The study used a systematic approach integrating desk research, national expert consultations and comparative analysis to examine IT solutions in healthcare systems. Five European countries were selected for the in-depth analysis: Poland, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland, and Croatia. The impact on administrative processes, care access, and the functioning of healthcare systems was assessed. The study identified a variety of regulatory frameworks, common implementation strategies and the institutions responsible for these activities. All compared countries used telemedicine, e-prescriptions and various types of health applications. It was found that the most frequently used IT solutions were electronic health record (EHR) and e-prescription systems. However, IT training, its organization, financing and mandatory nature differed in individual countries. In addition, common barriers were identified across all countries, such as financial constraints and interoperability issues. Integrating IT solutions offers opportunities to address health workforce shortages and enhance healthcare efficiency. Tailored strategies and collaborative efforts are essential to address financial constraints and interoperability issues. Implementing best practices identified in this study can improve administrative processes and care access. Future research should prioritize longitudinal impact assessments and explore new technologies to optimize healthcare IT solutions.

Background: European countries face a common problem of medical deserts—areas where the population has limited access to healthcare services. Objective: This article aims to define medical deserts and provide an in‐depth overview of the factors driving desertification and the solutions applied to reduce its negative consequences across six European countries: the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Croatia, Germany and Ireland. Methods: Applied methods include five consecutive steps: (1) development of a case study template; (2) defining criteria and selecting case study countries, (3) desk research, (4) consultation with national experts and (5) comparative analysis. Results: There is no formally recognised definition of medical deserts in all the analysed countries. Nevertheless, the concept is often associated with sparsely populated, isolated areas with limited access to healthcare services. The factors driving desertification are similar across the six countries and include: ageing and depopulation, health workforce deficits, unattractive working conditions and geographical factors. Solutions implemented to mitigate the negative effects of medical deserts can be classified into several broad categories: health workforce planning and monitoring, training and career pathways, innovative healthcare models, support mechanisms and infrastructure development. Conclusions: The factors driving medical deserts in European countries are complex and multidimensional. In consequence, the policy approaches aimed at limiting their negative consequences also require a comprehensive approach. Addressing medical deserts requires focusing on both the supply and demand sides of health services provision and comprehensive strategies tailored to each country's or region's specific circumstances. Patient or Public Contribution: This study was conducted within the ROUTE‐HWF project framework, which emphasised the importance of patient and public involvement throughout the research process. Their contribution was particularly valuable during national and international workshops with key stakeholders, including community representatives, healthcare professionals and policymakers. These stakeholder workshops focused on discussing the root causes of medical deserts and exploring national and regional strategies to address them. This inclusive approach ensured that the analysis of the factors driving desertification and potential solutions incorporated the perspectives and lived experiences of affected populations.

Background: Healthcare systems face major challenges due to shortages in the healthcare workforce (HWF). In order to effectively plan for the future, it is critical to forecast the HWF needs. This study aimed to identify, map, and synthesize the tools, methods, and procedures for measuring medical staff deficits in Europe. Methods: The study was performed in accordance with the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review methodology. The authors searched 4 scientific databases: Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, as well as manually, by searching for relevant reports. The results were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The final searches were conducted until October 2022. Results: The study included 38 publications published between 2002 and 2022. Among included publications, 25 were empirical studies, 6 theoretical papers, 5 reports, 1 a literature review, and 1 a guidebook. The majority of the publications estimated or measured shortages of physicians (14/38) and nurses and midwives (7/38), or the HWF generally (10/38). A variety of methods was used, including projections, estimations, predictions, simulation models, and surveys, which utilized tools such as special computer software or customized indicators, such as the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need method. HWF shortages were estimated at both national and regional levels, often based on demand, supply, and/or need. Conclusions: While these methods and tools provide valuable insights, they may not always be suitable for the needs of a country or a medical facility. The problem of shortages in the health service is growing and its effects are already being felt, while data on the extent of medical staff shortages are usually outdated and underestimated, which highlights the need for further development, testing and implementation of validated methods. Key messages: • Improvement of tools for measuring HWF shortages should be an integral part of HWF planning. • Validated methods and tools are needed to measure, estimate, and prepare forecasts of HWF shortages.