Conceptual model for assessing achievement in the training and deployment of medical doctors in Tanzania

We developed a human resource for health conceptual model (Fig. 1) based on concepts from the health workforce development stages proposed by the World Health Organization [42] and other relevant sources [37, 43, 44]. In this conceptual model, we considered how the Ministry of Health developed recommended staffing levels and the ideal planning of MDs training and deployment. The number of MDs recommended in Tanzania as documented in staffing levels was based on needs assessment conducted by a team of stakeholders led by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The team considered the healthcare needs of the population, number and needs of health facilities available, and the needs of organizations, institutions and agencies dealing with health [45].

Human resource for health conceptual model for assessing the achievement in training and deployment of medical doctors in Tanzania. Source: Developed based on concepts from the health workforce development stages by WHO [42] and forecasting models for Human Resources in Health Care by Linda O’Brien Pallas [44]

We conceptualized the planning of MDs by considering the needs and supply. The needs were established by considering all possible areas where MDs are recommended to work. The supply side was determined by looking at the terrains of ensuring availability of MDs using WHO’s three stages of health workforce development. The gap between the recommended and available MDs in the heath sector was obtained by taking the difference between the two.