Discussion Paper 3. Department of Organization of Health Services DeliveryGenevaMost health systems are coming under increasing scrutiny with a view to cost containment, often as a direct or indirect result of health sector reform. Health care is
labour intensive, and the level and mix of staff deployed is a central element in determining the cost of care and the quality of care. It is important that managers and
health professionals in any health care organization strive to identify the most effective mix of staff achievable within available resources and organizational priorities.
This report builds on the work already undertaken for WHO in this area, which developed a typology of approaches to skill mix (Buchan, Ball & O'May, 1996; see also
Buchan, 1999). It examines the context in which decisions on skill mix are made,drawing from country case studies, and provides practical guidelines for health
professionals and managers.sch_nurpub513pu
