Factors influencing geographical distribution of physicians: A scoping review - Payesh (Health Monitor)
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Volume 23, Issue 6 (November - December 2024)                   Payesh 2024, 23(6): 839-849 | Back to browse issues page

Ethics code: IR.SBMU.SME.REC.1402.066


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Shams L, Salehi Z, Maher A. Factors influencing geographical distribution of physicians: A scoping review. Payesh 2024; 23 (6) :839-849
URL: http://payeshjournal.ir/article-1-2354-en.html
1- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
Abstract:   (321 Views)
Objective(s): Maldistribution of physicians in different areas has detrimental impacts on people's access to health services. The distribution of physicians in different regions are influenced by various factors. Therefore, this study was carried out with the aim of identifying factors and components affecting the geographical distribution of physicians in different countries.
Methods: A scoping review based on the framework of Arkesy and O'Malley was conducted using keywords related to distribution and physicians in five English and Persian databases (Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, SID) between 2000 and 2023. The original and review articles in English and Persian were included in the study. First, the studies were screened based on the title and abstract, and in the next step, the full text of the articles was reviewed. Finally, data were extracted using a self-designed checklist. The identified factors were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: After removing duplicates, 122 were identified. Of these 50 articles were reviewed. Finally, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 studies were included in the final analysis. The included studies were conducted in different countries. In the analysis of the components and factors affecting the dispersion and distribution of physicians, five main themes emerged including demographic and geographic factors, personal and professional characteristics of the physicians, social, economic and political factors, factors related to the health system and social and cultural factors.
Conclusion: The findings showed that the unequal distribution of physicians is a global problem and most countries were struggling such a problem. The findings showed that the distribution of physicians is influenced by many factors that must be taken into consideration by policy makers and managers. They should develop and design policies and interventions for equitable distribution of physicians.
 
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type of study: Systematic Reviw | Subject: Helath Services Management
Received: 2023/11/25 | Accepted: 2024/05/7 | ePublished ahead of print: 2024/12/7 | Published: 2024/12/14

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