Systematic Literature Review on the Quality of Human Resources for Health and Its Alignment with Healthcare Service Needs in Developing Countries
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30872/miceb.v7i1.15553Keywords:
Human Resources for Health (HRH), Capacity Building, Healthcare Service QualityAbstract
The quality of human resources for health (HRH) is a critical determinant of healthcare service performance, especially in developing countries facing persistent issues such as personnel shortages, maldistribution, limited competencies, and weak organizational support. These challenges hinder the ability of health systems to respond to routine service needs and public health emergencies. This systematic literature review aims to map current evidence on HRH quality, identify key determinants and challenges, and evaluate the extent to which HRH improvement strategies align with healthcare service needs. Using PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search across Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus identified 411 studies; after screening and eligibility assessment, 25 studies published between 2018 and 2025 were included. Data extraction covered intervention types, HRH quality indicators, outcomes, and contextual factors. The findings indicate four major categories of interventions: curriculum and educational reforms, training and continuing professional development, policy and system-level strategies, and digital/eHealth innovations. Most interventions improved knowledge, skills, and performance, with several demonstrating alignment to service needs through enhanced clinical processes and patient outcomes. However, the translation of competence into practice was often limited by systemic barriers such as resource constraints, high workloads, and insufficient supervision. This review highlights the need for multi-component, context-sensitive strategies that integrate human capital development, organizational strengthening, and supportive policy environments to sustainably enhance HRH quality in developing countries
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