Factors associated with health care provider performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Workers' health in business operations and healthcare delivery is paramount with various factors, significantly impacting performance and quality of care. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the intricate factors influencing the performance of healthcare providers. METHODS: Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from 1 January 2000 to 1 January 2024. A standardized form was used for data extraction of the characteristics of the studies, outcomes, and risk of bias. The identification and selection process is reported according to PRISMA guidelines. The meta-analysis was performed using Jamovi software (with major meta-analysis packages, version 2.4.14). The analysis was carried out using the Fisher r-to-z-transformed correlation coefficient as the outcome measure with a random-effects model fitted to the data. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 6136 studies from multiple databases, and according to the exclusion and inclusion criteria, only 61 studies were eligible for qualitative synthesis and 37 for meta-analysis. Among these studies, there was a predominant focus on hospital settings, with 43 studies, and Asia had the most studies. A meta-analysis investigated the relationship of the associated factors that influence healthcare professionals' performance in a total sample size of 24,419. The estimated average correlation coefficient based on the random effects model was 0.2370 (95% CI 0.0745-0.3995). Training, stress, workload, and organizational culture were the most commonly mentioned factors influencing healthcare providers' performance. CONCLUSION: The relentless demands of healthcare can take a toll on providers' physical and mental health. Actionable intervention through organizational policies and procedures, continuous development programs, and supportive workplace environments can improve healthcare provider performance and ultimately improve the healthcare services. Performance can be preserved, improved, or optimized by improving these aspects that can positively impact the entire healthcare system.