Effective policies for eliminating nursing workforce shortages: A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives: Applied policy options were reviewed for evidence of their effectiveness in reducing nursing shortages. Background: The stable supply and qualitative maintenance of a healthy nursing workforce significantly impact patients' outcomes; therefore, providing adequate nursing is a major global issue in terms of health policies. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of relevant studies to identify evidence of the effectiveness of applied policy options in managing shortages of nurses via four electronic databases. The data collection period was January 23-31, 2019. Results: After screening 2151 initial candidate studies, 12 articles were included, 10 quantitative and 2 qualitative. Various policies had been implemented worldwide to combat nursing shortages, classified as new payment agreements, emergency hiring plans, RN residency programs, special contracting systems, rural allowance policies, and recruiting and guaranteeing incentives for nursing graduates and full-time government employment. Each study reviewed the implementation of policies tailored to the health-care environment of one country and reported successful results regarding nursing staff supply. Conclusions: Through the current review, the authors seek to promote policies using a multi-dimensional approach of cooperation between the government and health institutions, systematic information collection on health-care personnel, and government investment in crucial private programs during times of need.