A REVIEW STUDY ON COMPETENCIES AND SKILL GAPS AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN WESTERN UTTAR PRADESH

Abstract

Abstract: The quality of healthcare delivery is fundamentally impacted by the competences and skill levels of healthcare professionals, particularly doctors and nurses. Due to notable regional variations in health facilities, employee’s availability, and access to training, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, there are still gaps in professional competences in India. Several academic databases were searched to find peer-reviewed research that used mixed-method, quantitative, and qualitative methodologies. The results showed that clinical and non-clinical abilities differ significantly amongst healthcare contexts. Deficits in leadership, communication, cooperation, and patient-centred care impacted service efficacy while clinical deficits were most noticeable in emergency response, protocol adherence and maternity and newborn care. Workload, personnel shortages, restricted access to continuing professional education, hierarchical organizational structures, and inadequate supervisory and feedback systems were found important structural problems. Significant methodological variation and non-availability of validated, standardized, and context-sensitive competency evaluation instruments were also found in the review. In addition to highlighting the need for focused, long-term workforce development and capacity-building measures to enhance healthcare quality, efficiency, and equity, the review offers an organised knowledge of competency gaps and their causes in an inadequately researched regional context. Keywords: Healthcare professional development, Skill gaps, Healthcare professional competencies, Western Uttar Pradesh, India