Application of the WISN Method for Assessing Healthcare Staffing Needs in Maternal and Child Health Facilities in Algeria

Introduction. The optimization of human resources represents a crucial strategic challenge for contemporary healthcare systems, particularly in contexts with limited resources. This study applies the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) method in six maternal and child health facilities in the wilaya of Batna, Algeria, to assess staffing needs and optimize their distribution. Our research specifically focuses on six maternal and child healthcare facilities in the Wilaya of Batna, Algeria, aiming to propose a precise methodology for analyzing staffing needs. Methods. A descriptive and analytical study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2023, involving 625 healthcare professionals across ten professional categories. Data collection was based on archival reviews, semi-structured interviews with 105 groups of professionals, and direct observation. The WISN method was applied to calculate discrepancies between actual and required staffing levels, as well as staffing ratios. Results. The analysis reveals significant disparities in the distribution of human resources. The overall mean WISN ratio is 1.78 (±1.28), with considerable variations across departments and professional categories. Critical shortages are observed in high-risk pregnancy units (WISN ratio = 0.59 ± 0.34) and among certain professional groups, such as childcare auxiliaries. Conversely, significant surpluses are noted in radiology (WISN ratio = 4.49 ± 2.77) and among laboratory technicians (WISN ratio = 3.46 ± 1.88). The mean Total Available Working Time per healthcare professional is 1,528.81 hours per year (±184.94 hours). Conclusion. At the conclusion of this analysis, our findings highlight a major issue concerning the distribution of healthcare personnel in maternal and child healthcare facilities within the Batna region. The evaluation conducted using the WISN indicator revealed critical areas of concern in the allocation of staff. These findings call for a thorough reconsideration of workforce planning and management for medical and paramedical teams. Such an adjustment is essential from a dual perspective : ensuring optimal patient care and providing satisfactory working conditions for healthcare providers.