Novel approaches to empowering health workforce: a scoping review

BACKGROUND: The development of health workers is crucial for achieving national and global health objectives. This study aims to identify novel methods and approaches for empowering the health workforce through in-service training. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework in five steps. A comprehensive search was performed in three databases-PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus-using MeSH terms and keywords until December 4, 2022. The study utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to carry out the investigation and present the results. RESULTS: A total of 3257 articles were retrieved, of which 34 articles were included in the scoping review. The majority of the articles (n = 23, 68%) were published between 2018 and 2022, with physicians being the primary target group (n = 16, 47%). Most studies employed a combination of several methods, with simulation methods, virtual training, practical and field training, coaching, group interaction, flipped classrooms, case studies, peer experiences, teaching through surveys and research, small group training, and problem-solving approaches being the most commonly used strategies. CONCLUSION: Implementing innovative training methods to empower healthcare personnel enhances skills, improves training effectiveness, and ultimately leads to better performance and the delivery of higher-quality healthcare services.