Transdisciplinary training approaches to support healthcare delivery in low-resource settings: a scoping review

Abstract Background Individuals living in lower-socioeconomic areas often experience lower-quality care due to workforce shortages. Transdisciplinary training (TT) is utilised when shortages of healthcare professionals necessitate training other professionals beyond their primary discipline to provide needed services. However, the structure, delivery, and challenges of TT programs in low-resource settings are under-reported. This review aims to synthesize the evidence on TT programs that promote healthcare delivery in low-resource settings. Methods A scoping review following JBI methodological guidance was conducted. Five electronic databases were searched using the keywords and MeSH terms related to “transdisciplinary training” and “low-resource setting”. Before screening, reviewers conducted calibration exercises on a sample of studies to ensure consistent interpretation of eligibility criteria. Using Covidence, two reviewers screened titles and abstracts, then full-text articles, with disagreements resolved through discussion. Data were extracted on study characteristics, training program details, evaluation, and challenges. Data charting was completed independently by two reviewers and then the results were summarised using descriptive analysis. Results Across 39 included studies, 27 (69%) were from the African and Southeast Asian WHO regions. TT primarily addressed non-communicable health conditions. Studies demonstrated a strong focus on maternal and obstetric health (38%), mental health (28%), and cardiovascular conditions (18%). Most studies were delivered face-to-face or through blended approaches (82%) with supervisory support (87%). Nearly half of the studies reported short-duration training (49%). Studies assessed training effectiveness using questionnaires, practical skill assessments, observational methods, and qualitative interviews. Long-term follow-ups beyond 3 months were rare (13%). Authors reflected on factors influencing TT implementation at individual-, community-, organizational-, and policy- or system-levels. Stakeholder engagement and resource availability were commonly reported as key influences on TT. Conclusion The review highlights growing evidence of professional-to-professional TT in low-resource settings. Some studies reported improved patient outcomes. However, limitations in study design, outcome measurement, and follow-up indicate a need for higher-quality studies. Future studies must prioritize rigorous evaluation, sustained supervision, technology-assisted delivery, and longer-term follow-ups. Findings reveal individual-, community-, organizational-, and policy-level factors that influence TT. Embedding TT within multilevel health system supports is critical for sustaining workforce capacity and service quality in low-resource settings. Registration Open Science Framework. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NQA8G .