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Human Resources for Health
Published in: Human Resources for Health 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Review

Systematic review on human resources for health interventions to improve maternal health outcomes: evidence from low- and middle-income countries

Authors: Zohra S. Lassi, Nabiha B. Musavi, Blerta Maliqi, Nadia Mansoor, Andres de Francisco, Kadidiatou Toure, Zulfiqar A. Bhutta

Published in: Human Resources for Health | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

There is a broad consensus and evidence that shows qualified, accessible, and responsive human resources for health (HRH) can make a major impact on the health of the populations. At the same time, there is widespread recognition that HRH crises particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) impede the achievement of better health outcomes/targets. In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), equitable access to a skilled and motivated health worker within a performing health system is need to be ensured. This review contributes to the vast pool of literature towards the assessment of HRH for maternal health and is focused on interventions delivered by skilled birth attendants (SBAs). Studies were included if (a) any HRH interventions in management system, policy, finance, education, partnership, and leadership were implemented; (b) these were related to SBA; (c) reported outcomes related to maternal health; (d) the studies were conducted in LMICs; and (e) studies were in English. Studies were excluded if traditional birth attendants and/or community health workers were trained. The review identified 25 studies which revealed reasons for poor maternal health outcomes in LMICs despite the efforts and policies implemented throughout these years. This review suggested an urgent and immediate need for formative evidence-based research on effective HRH interventions for improved maternal health outcomes. Other initiatives such as education and empowerment of women, alleviating poverty, establishing gender equality, and provision of infrastructure, equipment, drugs, and supplies are all integral components that are required to achieve SDGs by reducing maternal mortality and improving maternal health.
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Metadata
Title
Systematic review on human resources for health interventions to improve maternal health outcomes: evidence from low- and middle-income countries
Authors
Zohra S. Lassi
Nabiha B. Musavi
Blerta Maliqi
Nadia Mansoor
Andres de Francisco
Kadidiatou Toure
Zulfiqar A. Bhutta
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Human Resources for Health / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1478-4491
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-016-0106-y

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