European Doctors warn that the optimisation of the healthcare workforce must put patient safety and quality of care first

Across Europe, ageing populations, more complex care needs, and workforce shortages are putting growing pressure on health systems to deliver care with limited capacity and resources. Efforts to optimise healthcare are important, but are increasingly driven by factors which put economic considerations above clinical and ethical objectives.

CPME President Dr Ole Johan Bakke said “European doctors welcome efforts to improve the efficiency healthcare services however, it cannot come at the expense of safety, quality, or professional autonomy. Real reform starts with investing in sufficient numbers of well-trained doctors and protecting the standards patients deserve."

“We need innovation in technology such as improved digital tools and artificial intelligence, but it must add value to our work, as user-unfriendly and poorly implemented tools further diminish the time available for patient care.”

CPME Vice President Dr Andreas Botzlar added “These changes demand clear accountability, appropriate supervision, and real consultation with doctors so that reforms strengthen professional standards and protect the quality of healthcare. While task shifting can play a role when properly designed, it often adds to doctors’ responsibilities for supervision, training, and managing complications, and these realities need to be recognised and supported."

“European doctors are concerned that without appropriate safeguards, short-term efficiency measures could undermine health outcomes and medical standards, and erode patient trust.”

Photo: istock / sturti