How Technology and Community Control Can Address Australia’s Health Workforce Shortage

Australia’s healthcare system faces a persistent challenge: a shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in rural and remote areas.

Susan Nancarrow , a health services researcher and founder of Health Work International, sheds light on the core issues and potential solutions, offering fresh perspectives drawn from her extensive experience in the field.

During a recent interview at the 2024 National Health Workforce Summit, Susan highlighted a fundamental problem in the delivery of rural healthcare services—fragmentation. “Services that go into rural and remote areas tend to be fragmented and funded by different policy pots,” she noted.

This disjointed approach often leaves communities without sufficient control over healthcare services, making it challenging to address local needs effectively. According to Susan, giving communities greater control over both funding and identifying workforce needs is crucial.

This could lead to a more tailored approach, empowering communities to develop solutions that meet specific local requirements.

Understanding Australia’s Workforce Shortage: Supply vs. Demand

When asked about the main causes of Australia’s health workforce shortage, Susan pointed out an often-overlooked distinction: while there is significant demand for healthcare workers, the real issue lies in supply.

“We have a lot more demand for our health workforce than we have supply,” she explained.

Despite increased training initiatives, other factors like the NDIS have diverted capacity away from the health system.

Susan’s perspective emphasizes that Australia has a “highly medicalized view of society,” where every problem is expected to be resolved through one-on-one medical intervention, rather than being addressed at a structural level.

This approach places immense pressure on the healthcare system, further amplifying workforce shortages.

Policy Solutions: Finding Balance

Australia is currently witnessing more policy efforts than ever before to address health workforce shortages. Key measures include accelerating the recruitment of international workers and reviewing healthcare regulations to make them more efficient.

However, Susan highlighted a potential downside: recruiting from other countries may help in the short term, but it ultimately “robs Peter to pay Paul,” as these countries often have even fewer healthcare workers than Australia.

Additionally, Susan raised concerns about overtraining healthcare workers. She suggested that devolving some skills to the care and support workforce could increase efficiency and alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.

Learning from Global Best Practices

While Australia leads in some areas of healthcare innovation, Susan believes there are lessons to be learned from other countries.

For example, the UK has implemented structures that increase workforce flexibility by allowing nurses and allied health professionals to step in when there are doctor shortages.

According to Susan, similar measures could be more effectively implemented in Australia to enhance workforce resilience and flexibility.

The Role of Technology: A Paradigm Shift

Looking ahead, Susan sees technology playing a transformative role in healthcare, particularly in addressing workforce shortages. “We are on the edge of a paradigm shift in terms of technology, especially with artificial intelligence,” she remarked.

AI is already beginning to take over diagnostic expertise and could soon revolutionize healthcare training by allowing for remote, evidence-based education.

As AI continues to advance, Susan predicts a shift in how healthcare is delivered. “I don’t believe that our workforce will look the same in ten years,” she stated, emphasizing that AI and robotics will not only reshape training but also change how healthcare professionals interact with each other and with patients.

Looking Forward: A Holistic Approach

The conversation with Susan Nancarrow underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to address Australia’s healthcare workforce shortage.

By empowering communities, streamlining policies, embracing global best practices, and leveraging technology, there is potential to create a more resilient and efficient healthcare system.

The next decade promises significant advancements, driven by both policy innovation and technological integration.

Susan’s insights provide a compelling roadmap for stakeholders in the healthcare sector, policymakers, and community leaders alike.

The future may be uncertain, but the strategies outlined by experts like Susan offer a pathway to a stronger, more sustainable healthcare system in Australia.

Click here to watch the full interview!