Bridging methods in health workforce planning: Complementary approaches and the data they require.

Health and care workforce planning and forecasting is increasingly critical as health labour markets face rising demand, demographic change and evolving models of care. Many countries project workforce supply and demand but numerical forecasts alone are insufficient. Effective planning also requires understanding skills, roles, productivity and service organisation. Although data on workforce numbers and training are available internationally and nationally, information on skill mix, task distribution and links to service needs remains fragmented and incomplete. Strengthening workforce planning therefore requires integrated, timely and policy relevant data systems aligned with education, service delivery and long-term health system goals.