Conceptual Framework for Task Shifting and Task Sharing: An International Delphi Study

Abstract

BackgroundTask shifting and sharing (TS/S) involves the redistribution of health tasks within workforces and communities. Conceptual frameworks lay out the key factors, constructs, and variables involved in a given phenomenon, as well as the relationships between those factors. Though TS/S is a leading strategy to address health worker shortages and improve access to services worldwide, a conceptual framework for this approach is lacking.MethodsWe used an online Delphi process to engage an international panel of scholars with experience in knowledge synthesis concerning TS/S and develop a conceptual framework for TS/S. We invited 55 prospective panellists to participate in a series of questionnaires exploring the purpose of TS/S and the characteristics of contexts amenable to TS/S programmes. Panellist responses were analysed and integrated through an iterative process to achieve consensus on the elements included in the conceptual framework. ResultsThe panel achieved consensus concerning the included concepts after three Delphi rounds among 15 panelists.The COATS Framework (Concepts and Opportunities to Advance Task Shifting and Task Sharing) offers a refined definition of TS/S and a general-purpose statement to guide TS/S programmes. COATS describes that opportunities for health system improvement arising from TS/S programmes depending on the implementation context, and enumerates eight essential conditions and important considerations for launching TS/S interventions.ConclusionThe COATS Framework offers an essential theoretical and conceptual model for TS/S programmes. The COATS Framework is comprehensive and adaptable, and can guide refinements in policy, programme development, evaluation, and research to improve TS/S globally.

Non-physician anaesthesia providers’ perspectives on task sharing practices in Zambia and Somaliland: a qualitative study

“…The limited research into anaesthetic workforce in LMICs focuses mainly on quantity (number of providers) [5][6][7] and to a lesser extent quality (training programmes). 10 Where task sharing is mentioned, it is described as being related to one or more of the following practices: supervision, mentorship and support (help/advice-seeking) of NPAPs, 4 11-13 collaboration, 14 division of the workload 9 11 12 and existence of referral systems. 9 12 While task sharing is increasingly proposed as an important strategy to increase the reach and safety of anaesthesia as well as a means of supporting the workforce in low-resource settings, most data on task sharing relate to non-anaesthetic healthcare contexts, which are significantly different from anaesthesia in the acuity and specific challenges encountered by its providers.…”