Exploring the readiness to practice of underrepresented healthcare workers: A scoping review

Studies across the extant literature suggest that less-experienced healthcare workers are more likely to experience adverse outcomes such as burnout, sick leaves, or intend to leave the profession. Thus, one's readiness to practice is an important element that requires more attention. While extensive research exists on the readiness of certain professions like nurses, a notable gap remains concerning other healthcare workers.

This study sought to explore studies examining readiness to practice among various underrepresented healthcare workers.

We conducted a scoping review to determine the available research related to clinical and nonclinical areas related to the readiness to practice of healthcare workers, excluding physicians and nurses. We examined three databases, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2023. Our search focused on readiness to practice among various healthcare professions, whether clinically focused or broadly related to professionalism.

Our search identified 41 articles meeting the inclusion criteria from several professions, including but not limited to physiotherapists and occupational therapists, pharmacists, osteopaths/chiropractors, and social workers. Overall, studies differed in assessing readiness to practice with a broad range of identified clinical competencies that varied between professions and regions. Nonclinical skills, such as communication, conflict management, and cultural competence, were common barriers across professions.

Despite the heterogeneity in job roles, work settings, and geographical reasons, there is evidence to suggest that new healthcare professionals may be clinically adept but may be lacking in other nonclinical skills that could affect their work and well-being. With early-career healthcare workers particularly vulnerable to adverse outcomes in the workplace, future research should standardize core competencies, including nonclinical skills and well-being-related activities, as a prevention method across various health groups.