Health workforce shortages in Europe - Mapping the way forward

Shortages of healthcare professionals is a pan-European issue that cannot be solved by one measure alone. It requires a coordinated approach, relying on a multitude of initiatives at the European, national and sub-national levels.

Migration has partly resolved shortages in some countries while exacerbating the situation in others. At the same time, training and recruitment are just as important as the retention of staff, requiring policymakers to ensure safe and family-friendly working conditions.

The adoption of EU regulations on artificial intelligence and health data will bring new impetus to the digitalisation of healthcare. Promising to render work in the healthcare sector more efficient and fulfilling, digital devices could soon become part of a solution to workforce challenges.

As organisations representing the interests of physicians in Germany, we would like to explore together with the European institutions and stakeholders what the EU should do to help member states resolve health workforce shortages.