Skill mix among healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic – a scoping review

Abstract

Abstract Background The problem of human resource shortages in health care was highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic in many countries around the world. Various solutions have been implemented to cope with the crisis, one of which is the skill mix of medical and peri-medical staff. The aim of the scoping review was to systematise knowledge about the skill mix of healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods The review was conducted in five scientific databases including Cinahl Ultimate, Web of Science, Medline (PubMed), Embase and Scopus. The review included studies published from 2020 until July 2023, presenting original research on the skill mix of health care workers. Results A total of 5039 records were identified in the databases and 27 articles were included in the final analysis. Of the included studies, 14 were conducted in Western and Southern Europe. Most of the studies included in the review were conducted among nurses (n = 12), pharmacists (n = 11) and doctors (n = 6). The majority of studies concerned re-allocating tasks (n = 9) and re-allocating tasks and introducing or changing teamwork (n = 7). Research covered psychological aspects of work, patient safety, work reorganisation and training and collaboration. Many studies also focused on difficulties and barriers related to skill mix, such as blurring of responsibilities and role ambiguity. The review did not identify any studies conducted among laboratory diagnosticians, medical coordinators or surgical assistants. In addition, there were no studies of skill mix in Central and Eastern Europe during the pandemic. Conclusions Given that skill mix may be one of the solutions to reduce the negative impact of staff shortages, more research should be conducted in this area. Healthcare professionals should be involved in decision-making processes related to the granting of new competencies or the creation of new professions/functions in healthcare. Key messages • It is necessary to involve health professionals in the process of creating new skill mix solutions. • More research is needed on skill mix in times of crisis, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.