A recent study conducted by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Indiana University illuminates the unwavering dedication of U.S. health departments in their struggle to adequately staff their workforce and recruit new talent. Despite their relentless efforts, gaps persist in hiring a sufficient number of public health workers. The study, published in the June issue of Health Affairs, underscores the challenges these departments face.

The study identifies key barriers, such as insufficient funding, a scarcity of individuals with public health training, and a lack of visibility for careers in the public sector. However, it also highlights the immense potential of public health careers, which, if properly harnessed, can significantly contribute to the health sector. Lengthy hiring processes, though a challenge, can be overcome with strategic interventions.

Heather Krasna, PhD, associate dean of Career Services at Columbia Mailman School, underscores the urgency, noting the disparity between the number of graduates in the field and the demand for their skills in the workforce. Krasna emphasises the need for health systems to rethink their recruitment strategies and operational procedures to meet the evolving demands of public health effectively.

Despite enacting the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021, which aimed to provide additional funding to support workforce needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, many health departments still need help attracting new talent due to the limitations of their budget allocations. The disparity in salaries offered by the public sector compared to the private sector remains a significant challenge, further complicating recruitment efforts.

Moreover, the bureaucratic hurdles inherent in government hiring processes prolong the time it takes to fill vacant positions, with an average duration of 204 days compared to the much shorter timelines observed in the private sector. Civil service exams and other assessment requirements add to the complexity and inflexibility of the hiring process, dissuading potential candidates from pursuing careers in public health.

The study authors, including Valerie A. Yeager from Indiana University School of Public Health, propose a series of strategic interventions to address these workforce gaps. These include a comprehensive review of hiring procedures, decentralisation of control over the hiring process, converting temporary positions to permanent roles, adopting modern recruitment technologies, and enhancing financial incentives such as student loan repayment schemes. If implemented, these interventions can revolutionise the recruitment process and bridge the workforce gaps.

Additionally, increased investment in permanent funding for public health departments is called for to ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness. By implementing these recommendations, governmental public health agencies can work towards closing the workforce gaps and better serving the population’s needs.

More information: Valerie A. Yeager et al, When Money Is Not Enough: Reimagining Public Health Requires Systematic Solutions To Hiring Barriers, Health Affairs. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2024.00020

Journal information: Health Affairs Provided by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health