International Journal of Health Planning and Management最新文献

Precise data is crucial for policy decision-making, especially in sensitive outcomes like stillbirth, where each data element have significant effects. Following years of advancement in the healthcare domain, there is a pressing need to improve data-based policymaking by addressing both the social context and emotional dimensions. This holds true for any healthcare condition including stillbirth, which demands the attention of healthcare managers, researchers and policymakers. Conditions such as stillbirth signify more than a birth devoid of vital signs. A mother endures months of discomfort and excruciating labour pain and faces the devastating reality that her baby is no longer alive. The absence of her child's initial cry disrupts her life, causing her to struggle with confusion and sadness on the factors that may have led to this catastrophe. In spite of this significant loss, we typically perceive it as merely one death, often neglecting to acknowledge it adequately. Significant advancements in averting stillbirths can be achieved by viewing it as a loss of life, rather than only perceiving it as the birth of a lifeless infant. Examining stillbirth data and comprehending its causes can aid in formulating strategies to avert future incidents. This publication seeks to compile information on the principal issues associated with the reporting and recording of stillbirths in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from the perspective of data quality aspects. Furthermore, it also proposes strategies to enhance each aspect of data quality like harmonising stillbirth definitions, linking routine data systems with surveys, facility audits for better data capture, and increasing funding for stillbirth-related research etc.

The collapse of Gaza's health system has rendered traditional models of health planning and humanitarian coordination functionally obsolete. With fewer than half of Gaza's hospitals partially operational and over 90% of health infrastructure damaged or destroyed, the territory is no longer capable of delivering essential services such as dialysis, obstetric care, or oncology treatment. This letter argues that a permanent, internationally managed cross-border health corridor–anchored via the Rafah crossing–offers a feasible and urgent solution to provide structured, rights-based care amid systemic collapse. Drawing on precedents from Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and global humanitarian law, we outline the legal, operational, and political frameworks necessary to establish such a corridor. The corridor model is presented as not only a response to Gaza's immediate crisis but also a replicable framework for other protracted conflict zones where national health systems have irreversibly failed.

Lebanese registered dietitians are employed in various practice settings; however, little is known about their job satisfaction. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine job satisfaction among Lebanese female dietitians working in different professional fields, between the private and the public sector. Job satisfaction was measured with Spector's Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS) as a validated tool. Descriptive statistics were performed on socio-demographic data. The comparison of the nine facets in job satisfaction among eight workplace fields was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The same test was used for the comparison between the private and the public workplace sectors. In our study, dietitians were found to be satisfied with their job with a median score of 146 and a significant difference among different workplaces (X² = 572.341, p < 0.001), with those working in hospitals being the most satisfied. Participants reported moderate satisfaction in the areas of promotion (facet satisfaction score [FSS] = 14; p = 0.013), supervision (FSS = 14; p = 0.027), operating conditions (FSS = 14, p = 0.004) and co-workers (FSS = 15; p = 0.012). They expressed satisfaction with the nature of their work (FSS = 19; p = 0.003) but dissatisfaction with communication (FSS = 11; p = 0.018). No statistically significant differences were found in the facets of payment (FSS = 14; p = 0.117), fringe benefit (FSS = 14; p = 0.210) and contingent rewards (FSS = 14; p = 0.178). Additionally, satisfaction levels varied significantly between employment sectors (X² = 581.762, p < 0.001), with those in the public sector reporting higher satisfaction 127.50 ± 22.96) compared to those in the private sector (126.50 ± 17.91). Despite the generally positive attitudes towards practicing their profession, this study has provided a deeper understanding of the factors influencing their job satisfaction. It is recommended that all organizations employing dietitians in Lebanon be encouraged to conduct regular job satisfaction assessments. These efforts would contribute to enhancing the well-being of dietitians and better equipping policy-and strategy-makers with the necessary insights to effectively improve workplace conditions.

The migration of qualified medical doctors from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to high-income countries (HICs) presents substantial challenges for healthcare systems, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study examines the recent surge in doctor migration from Sri Lanka following its unprecedented economic crisis. We aimed to quantify the economic and systemic impacts of the migration of qualified doctors on healthcare service delivery, medical education, and health equity, and explore feasible policy interventions to mitigate these effects. We conducted a mixed-methods policy analysis using national and international data between 2022 and 2024, including Ministry of Health data, Post-Graduate Institute of Medicine figures and international Medical Council reports. We estimate that nearly 1489 doctors, including specialists, migrated during this period, resulting in a financial loss of approximately LKR 12.5 billion (USD 41.5 million) to the Sri Lankan government and taxpayers. This migration has strained healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas, led to shortages in critical specialities, disrupted medical education, and exacerbated inequities in access to care. Existing retention mechanisms, such as post-training service bonds, have been largely ineffective. We discuss a range of policy options, including improved enforcement of bonds, strategic use of dual citizenship, bilateral tax-sharing agreements, and investments in working conditions and training infrastructure to retain medical talent. In conclusion, the migration of doctors presents a multidimensional threat to Sri Lanka's public healthcare system. Urgent, evidence-based interventions are essential to preserve the sustainability of free healthcare and medical education systems in LMICs under similar duress.