Illustration depicting diverse healthcare professionals collaborating in a modern European setting.

Europe's Healthcare Crisis: How a People-Centered Workforce Can Heal the System

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"From challenges in staffing to the impact of migration, we explore the steps to a stronger, more resilient healthcare future for Europe."

Healthcare systems across Europe are facing unprecedented challenges. Staff shortages, the impact of healthcare worker migration, and evolving patient needs are straining resources. A recent special issue of Health Policy highlighted the urgent need for a people-centered health workforce, a concept that puts the needs of both healthcare providers and patients at the forefront.

This approach focuses on developing a workforce that is not only skilled but also supported, motivated, and adaptable. It addresses the complex interplay of factors influencing healthcare, from policy implementation to professional development, and stakeholder involvement. The aim? To build a resilient healthcare system prepared to meet the demands of the future.

This article dives into the key issues, innovative solutions, and the steps needed to create a healthier, more sustainable healthcare future. We'll explore the problems, provide insights, and offer a path forward for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and anyone invested in the well-being of Europe's communities.

Understanding the Challenges: Key Issues Facing Europe's Healthcare Workforce

Illustration depicting diverse healthcare professionals collaborating in a modern European setting.

The healthcare landscape in Europe is complex, shaped by numerous interconnected issues. These range from workforce shortages and the effects of migration to the need for new professional roles and the evolving needs of patients. Each challenge presents unique hurdles that demand innovative solutions and a commitment to change.

One of the most pressing concerns is the shortage of healthcare professionals. Many European countries grapple with insufficient numbers of doctors, nurses, and other specialists. This scarcity leads to increased workloads, burnout, and compromised patient care. Furthermore, the migration of healthcare workers, often seeking better opportunities abroad, exacerbates these shortages, leaving some regions and countries with critical gaps in their healthcare services.

Workforce Shortages: Insufficient numbers of doctors, nurses, and specialists.
Migration Impacts: Loss of healthcare professionals to other countries.
Aging Population: Increased demand for healthcare services.
Changing Patient Needs: Rise in chronic diseases and complex care requirements.
Policy Implementation: Effectiveness of existing healthcare policies.

To address these issues, a multifaceted approach is essential. This includes strategic workforce planning, investment in education and training, and the implementation of policies that support and retain healthcare professionals. Furthermore, embracing new professional roles and promoting interprofessional collaboration can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of care. The path forward requires a clear understanding of these challenges and a commitment to create supportive healthcare environments.

A People-Centered Approach: Building a Resilient Healthcare Future

The journey toward a people-centered health workforce is complex, but crucial. It requires acknowledging the current challenges and actively working towards solutions. By prioritizing workforce development, supporting healthcare professionals, and adapting to evolving patient needs, Europe can build a healthcare system that is both resilient and compassionate. This is not just a goal but a necessity for a healthier future for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2018.09.006, Alternate LINK

Title: A People-Centred Health Workforce In Europe: How To Make It Happen?

Subject: Health Policy

Journal: Health Policy

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Ellen Kuhlmann, Ronald Batenburg, Gilles Dussault

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary issues straining healthcare resources?

The main issues straining healthcare resources involve staff shortages of doctors, nurses and specialists. The migration impacts of healthcare workers seeking opportunities abroad and evolving patient needs add to the burden. Furthermore, an aging population and rise in chronic diseases also increase demand. Effective Policy Implementation also plays a role in meeting these challenges.

How does the migration of healthcare workers affect healthcare systems?

The migration of healthcare workers exacerbates staff shortages, creating gaps in healthcare services, particularly in certain regions and countries. This loss of professionals can compromise patient care and increase workloads for remaining staff. Strategic workforce planning is needed to address this issue, however this is only part of the solution.

What is a 'people-centered health workforce,' and why is it important?

A 'people-centered health workforce' prioritizes the needs of both healthcare providers and patients. It focuses on developing a skilled, supported, motivated, and adaptable workforce. It is crucial for building a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting future demands, and fostering a healthier future for communities. This approach requires acknowledging current challenges and finding solutions.

What steps are essential to address the challenges facing the healthcare workforce and create a supportive environment?

Addressing the challenges involves strategic workforce planning, investment in education and training, and the implementation of policies that support and retain healthcare professionals. Embracing new professional roles and promoting interprofessional collaboration are vital for improving efficiency and quality of care. This requires acknowledging the current challenges and actively working towards solutions.

How can Europe build a more resilient and compassionate healthcare system for the future?

Europe can achieve this by prioritizing workforce development, supporting healthcare professionals, and adapting to evolving patient needs. This includes implementing policies that support and retain staff, embracing new professional roles, and promoting interprofessional collaboration. A 'people-centered health workforce' approach is essential, ensuring the needs of both providers and patients are at the forefront, this focus will lead to a more resilient and compassionate healthcare system, ensuring a healthier future.