Stakeholders’ Perception of the Palestinian Health Workforce Accreditation and Regulation System: A Focus on Conceptualization, Influencing Factors and Barriers, and the Way Forward

Shahenaz Najjar, Sali Hafez, Aisha Al Basuoni, Hassan Abu Obaid, Ibrahim Mughnnamin, Hiba Falana, Haya Sultan, Yousef Aljeesh and Mohammed Alkhaldi
Additional contact information
Shahenaz Najjar: Faculty of Graduate Studies, Arab American University, Ramallah P.O. Box 240, Palestine
Sali Hafez: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London WC1H 9SH, UK
Aisha Al Basuoni: Projects Department, Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP), Gaza P.O. Box P860, Palestine
Hassan Abu Obaid: Indonesian General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Gaza P.O. Box P860, Palestine
Ibrahim Mughnnamin: Faculty of Graduate Studies, Arab American University, Ramallah P.O. Box 240, Palestine
Hiba Falana: Faculty of Graduate Studies, Arab American University, Ramallah P.O. Box 240, Palestine
Haya Sultan: Faculty of Graduate Studies, Arab American University, Ramallah P.O. Box 240, Palestine
Yousef Aljeesh: Scientific Research and Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Nursing, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza P.O. Box 108, Palestine
Mohammed Alkhaldi: Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center (MUHC), Montreal, QC H3H 2R9, Canada

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 13, 1-17

Abstract: The Health Workforce Accreditation and Regulation (HWAR) is a key function of the health system and is the subject of increasing global attention. This study provides an assessment of the factors affecting the Palestinian HWAR system, identifies existing gaps and offers actionable improvement solutions. Data were collected during October and November 2019 in twenty-two semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with experts, academics, leaders, and policymakers purposely selected from government, academia, and non-governmental organizations. The overall perceptions towards HWAR were inconsistent. The absence of a consolidated HWAR system has led to a lack of communication between actors. Environmental factors also affect HWAR in Palestine. The study highlighted the consensus on addressing further development of HWAR and the subsequent advantages of this enhancement. The current HWAR practices were found to be based on personal initiatives rather than on a systematic evidence-based approach. The need to strengthen law enforcement was raised by numerous participants. Additional challenges were identified, including the lack of knowledge exchange and salary adjustments. HWAR in Palestine needs to be strengthened on the national, institutional, and individual levels through clear and standardized operating processes. All relevant stakeholders should work together through an integrated national accreditation and regulation system.

Keywords: accreditation and regulations; health workforce; health system; Palestine (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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