Acknowledgements v

Abbreviations and acronyms vi

Glossary vi

Executive summary viii

 Introduction viii

 Objective viii

 Methodology viii

 Policy options viii

 Conclusion xii

Introduction 1

 Purpose of the policy options 2

 Rationale 2

 National and regional contexts 3

 Health system perspectives 3

 Scope: defining care work and care workers 4

 Focus of the policy options 7

Methodology 8

 Refining the scope and methods 8

 Realist synthesis review 8

 Advisory Group input 8

 Thematic areas of interest 8

Policy options 11

 Entry stage: planning the care workforce 11

  1. Needs assessment and planning 11

  2. Data and evidence 12

  3. Governance implications 13

  4. Funding 13

  5. Pre-service education and training requirements 14

  6. Recruitment 15

 Working/supportive stage: enhancing performance and protection 16

  7. Regulation of care workers 16

  8. Working conditions 17

  9. Compensation and benefits 18

  10. Supervision and management 19

  11. Support systems including communication and technology 20

  12. Continuing education 20

  13. Career advancement 21

 Exit stage: managing attrition 22

  14. Retention 22

  15. International mobility and migration 22

  16. Retirement 23

  17. Career choice/career pathways 23

 Specific policy attention to address equity concerns 24

  18. Gender equality 24

  19. Migrant status 24

  20. Public and private ownership and settings of work 25

Evidence gaps and research agenda 26

 Conceptual gap: a global definition of health and care workforce integration 26

 Evidence gap: low- and middle‑income countries 26

 Evidence gap: consensus in terminology 26

 Intervention gap: transformative interventions 26

Conclusion 27

 Strengthen education and training 27

 Improve working conditions, including wages 27

References 28