Creating good career prospects for professionals in the infectious disease control in the Netherlands

Abstract Background A strong public health system in the Netherlands requires sufficient and motivated professionals. In preparation for new large outbreaks and pandemics, a strong workforce is essential. Providing good career prospects is crucial to attract, engage and retain professionals at the 25 Dutch Regional Public Health Services (RPHSs). However, it is unclear what opportunities and barriers professionals experience concerning their career prospects in the infectious disease control. Methods We aimed to identify these barriers and opportunities using focus groups with infectious disease medical doctors, nurses and assistants. Tangible solutions to address barriers and strengthen facilitating factors were gathered using in-depth interviews with key figures within the board, management, training coordinators and human resources of the RPHSs. Results Forty-six professionals participated in six focus groups. Barriers and opportunities for good career prospects included whether or not professionals experienced: personal development opportunities, achievement appreciation, and opportunities for (financial) growth. Interviews with key figures identified solutions to career prospect barriers, which were grouped into five themes: 1) Engage in conversations about career prospects, 2) Provide sufficient achievement appreciation, 3) Ensure connectivity between RPHSs, 4) Develop a perspective on career prospects, 5) Improve the image of RPHSs. Recommendations A guideline was developed for RPHSs to improve the career prospects of infectious disease control professionals including 17 recommendations. Implementation of these recommendations will contribute to the attractiveness of working in the public healthcare. Key messages • Addressing barriers and encouraging opportunities for good career prospects is essential to captivate, engage and retain public health professionals for pandemic preparedness. • Career prospects can be improved by developing and communicating a perspective on career prospects, increasing appreciation of achievements, and improving the image of working in public health.