Challenges and Strategies in Healthcare Workforce Management: A Scoping Review

Ali Mohammad  Mossadeghrad; Shervin  Mossavarali; Seyed Hamid Hosseini  Neishabouri; Arman  Khanjani; Shabnam  Afraz; Alireza Jafari  Azad; Hoda  Ghobeishipour

doi:10.18502/mshsj.v10i1.18939

Ali Mohammad Mossadeghrad Professor, Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shervin Mossavarali MD student, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Seyed Hamid Hosseini Neishabouri MD student, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Arman Khanjani MD student, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Shabnam Afraz Ph.D. student of Health Care Management Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Alireza Jafari Azad MD student, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hoda Ghobeishipour Ph.D. student of Health Care Management Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/mshsj.v10i1.18939

Keywords: Challenge, Solution, Health workers, Workforce management, Scoping review

Abstract

Objective: Employees’ management is the process of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling human resources within an organization, which is of great importance and it is necessary to pay attention to its various dimensions, including the provision, distribution, and retention of employees. In the present study, the challenges and problems in the field of personnel are examined and then solutions to reduce these challenges are discussed.

Information sources and selected methods for study: A scoping review was conducted in August 2023 to identify the challenges faced by healthcare workers and suggest appropriate solutions. The search was performed across English-language databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, as well as Persian-language databases SID and Magiran, and search engines Google Scholar and Google. Title and abstract screening were independently carried out by three authors. After the screening and full-text review, data extraction was performed on 104 relevant studies. Data analysis was conducted using the Ritchie and Spencer framework analysis method.

Results: A total of 27 challenges related to the healthcare workforce were identified and categorized into three domains: recruitment, distribution, and retention. The most critical challenges included unequal distribution of physicians, workforce shortages, job burnout, and migration of healthcare workers, all of which significantly impact the quality of healthcare services. Regarding workforce recruitment, key strategies included utilizing trainees, training non-specialist staff, and expanding educational capacities. To address distribution disparities, policies such as strengthening family physician programs, telemedicine, and offering financial incentives were proposed. In terms of workforce retention, effective solutions included welfare support, psychological counseling, stress management programs, and work-life balance initiatives.

Conclusion: To improve the condition of health workers, policymakers must adopt an integrated, evidence-based approach addressing thethree areas of recruitment, distribution, and retention. Moreover, proposed strategies should be contextualized based on each country's economic, social, and cultural conditions and implemented through intersectoral collaboration and sufficient resource allocation to ensure long-term effectiveness.