Exploring the Motivations, Challenges, and Integration of Internationally Educated Healthcare Workers in the UK: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Background: Healthcare worker migration, influenced by push and pull factors, is accentuated by active recruitment strategies of developed nations. This scoping review explores experiences of internationally educated nurses, midwives, and healthcare professionals in the UK since 2010, acknowledging the historical context of UK recruitment policy and the implementation of codes of practice by the World Health Organisation and the UK government.

Methods: Using the Population, Concept, and Context framework, systematic literature searches were conducted in various databases, including CINAHL, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar. Covidence software facilitated screening, with data systematically extracted and analyzed.

Results: The scoping review included 24 papers focusing on nurses (n = 19), midwives (n = 1), and various allied health professions (n = 4), spanning from 2010 to 2023. Findings revealed diverse challenges and facilitators, from professional recognition and career opportunities to discrimination, language barriers, and socioeconomic factors influencing integration and retention.

Conclusion: The review highlights the multifaceted experiences of internationally educated healthcare professionals (IEHPs) in the UK workforce. Despite their significant contributions, IEHPs face challenges such as unrecognized skills, third-party recruitment issues, and cultural adjustment difficulties. Addressing registration processes, recruitment practices, and cultural competence training is crucial to creating an inclusive environment that maximizes IEHPs' contributions and ensures their professional growth and well-being, ultimately benefiting the healthcare sector.