Human resources for health: a framework synthesis to put health workers at the centre of healthcare

Abstract

Background Human resources are a key determinant for the quality of healthcare and health outcomes. Several human resource management approaches or practices have been proposed and implemented to better understand and address health workers’ challenges with mixed results particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this framework synthesis was to review the human resources frameworks commonly available to address human resources for health issues in LMIC.Methods We searched studies in Medline, Embase, CAB Global Health, CINAHL (EBSCO) and WHO global Index Medicus up to 2021. We included studies that provided frameworks to tackle human resources for health issues, especially for LMICs. We synthesised the findings using a framework and thematic synthesis methods.Results The search identified 8574 studies, out of which 17 were included in our analysis. The common elements of different frameworks are (in descending order of frequency): (1) functional roles of health workers; (2) health workforce performance outcomes; (3) human resource management practises and levers; (4) health system outcomes; (5) contextual/cross-cutting issues; (6) population health outcomes and (7) the humanness of health workers. All frameworks directly or indirectly considered themes around the functional roles of health workers and on the outcomes of health workforce activities, while themes concerning the humanness of health workers were least represented. We propose a synthesised Human-Centred Health Workforce Framework.Conclusions Several frameworks exist providing different recurring thematic areas for addressing human resources for health issues in LMIC. Frameworks have predominantly functional or instrumental dimensions and much less consideration of the humanness of health workers. The paradigms used in policy making, development and funding may compromise the effectiveness of strategies to address human resources challenges in LMIC. We propose a comprehensive human resources for health framework to address these pitfalls.