Global Health Worker Migration: Problems and Solutions

International skilled health worker migration is a significant part of the global economy, contributing to socio-economic development and reflecting the transnationalization of health and elder care. This Element examines the processes that feed health worker migrants into global circulation, the losses and gains associated with such mobility, and examples of good practices that ensure the best possible outcomes for migrants, sending and destination communities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

International skilled health worker migration is a vital aspect of the global economy, playing a significant role in socio-economic development and reflecting the transnationalization of health and elder care that is occurring in most OECD nations. Traditionally, the distribution of care and health workforce planning has been analyzed solely within national contexts, but scholars have increasingly demonstrated how care deficits are being addressed through transnational responses. This Element explores the intricate processes that facilitate the movement of health worker migrants across borders, the outcomes and challenges associated with such mobility, and examples of best practices where migrants, sending and destination communities, and governments can achieve optimal outcomes. It will approach this issue from a problem-and-solution perspective, drawing connections across micro, meso, and macro levels within and across the sections.

The global economy is characterized by the movement of skilled health workers across international borders, a phenomenon known as international skilled health worker migration. This migration is a significant contributor to socio-economic development and reflects the transnationalization of health and elder care that is underway in most OECD nations. Traditionally, care and health workforce planning have been analyzed solely within national contexts, but scholars have increasingly shown how care deficits are being addressed through transnational responses.

The distribution of care and health workforce planning has previously been analyzed solely within national contexts, but increasingly scholars have shown how care deficits are being addressed through transnational responses. This Element examines the complex processes that feed health worker migrants into global circulation, the losses and gains associated with such mobility, and examples of good practices, where migrants, sending and destination communities, and governments can experience the best possible outcomes.

The complex processes that facilitate the movement of health worker migrants across borders include factors such as economic incentives, job opportunities, and cultural factors. Health workers may migrate for reasons such as better pay, improved working conditions, and access to advanced medical technologies. However, migration can also lead to losses, such as the separation of families, language barriers, and cultural assimilation challenges.

To address these challenges, there are examples of good practices where migrants, sending and destination communities, and governments can work together to achieve optimal outcomes. One example is the use of telemedicine technology to bridge the gap between healthcare providers in different countries and provide remote care to patients. This can help reduce the need for travel and improve access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Another example is the development of bilateral agreements between sending and destination countries to regulate the movement of health workers and ensure that they are qualified and licensed to practice in their respective countries. This can help protect the public's health and safety while also ensuring that health workers receive fair wages and working conditions.

In conclusion, international skilled health worker migration is a key feature of the global economy, playing a significant role in socio-economic development and reflecting the transnationalization of health and elder care. While migration can bring benefits, it can also lead to challenges. By adopting good practices and working together, migrants, sending and destination communities, and governments can achieve optimal outcomes and improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities around the world.

ISBN-13: 9781009217798