Special Article
Information Technology and Human Resources Development:
The World Health Organization's HRD ToolKit
Thomas L. Hall, MD, DrPH1
Alexandre Goubarev, MD, PhD2
(1) Dept. of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California/San Francisco,
(2) Scientist, Department of Health Systems, World Health Organization
Abstract
Modern information technology can greatly increase country access to the world's expertise and experience regarding the development of human resources for health.
In order to facilitate the exchange of world experience and assist countries with health workforce planning, training, and management WHO has developed multiple computer-based resources. These resources include several thousand pages of text on diverse human resources development topics, run-time spreadsheet models for generating alternative planning scenarios and for preparing workforce plans, slide show presentations, and references to other sources of information. They are now available on a file compressed floppy diskette and will soon be available on CD-ROM and WHO's internet website.
More than 200 persons from over 60 countries have received training in the scenario models, some countries are starting to apply them, and many countries now have the diskette-based ToolKit.
Key words:
Health personnel; health planning; education and training; personnel management;
planning techniques; planning models; computer simulation; World Health Organization;
technology transfer.