Challenges for health workforce in the Iranian healthcare system: a scoping review.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Human resources are a vital component for addressing current and emerging healthcare needs and strengthening health systems. This scoping review aimed to map the challenges facing the healthcare workforce in Iran.<h4>Methods</h4>This review followed the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and conducted a qualitative content analysis using a deductive process to generate codes, which were grouped into categories. The search was conducted on May 2024.<h4>Results</h4>The literature search yielded 1,418 articles. Title and abstract screening reduced this number to 92, with 34 articles meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Through qualitative analysis, challenges in Iran's healthcare workforce were categorized into three levels: 1) macro-level (societal and system-wide context), 2) meso-level (organizational context), and 3) micro-level (individual context).<h4>Conclusions</h4>This scoping review summarizes challenges faced by the healthcare workforce in Iran across macro-, meso-, and micro-level contexts. The findings can inform healthcare policymakers in designing targeted and effective interventions to strengthen human resources programs. This evidence may guide strategic planning, resource allocation, and reforms to enhance Iran's healthcare system.