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Defining Public health transformation: A scoping review
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  • Violet Phooko,
  • Kuhlula Maluleke,
  • Sebueng Ramatsokotla,
  • Thato Serite,
  • Kabelo Kgarosi,
  • Funeka Sokudela,
  • Tivani Mashamba-Thompson
Violet Phooko
University of KwaZulu-Natal School of Nursing and Public Health
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Kuhlula Maluleke
University of Pretoria School of Health Systems and Public Health

Corresponding Author:u15266304@tuks.co.za

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Sebueng Ramatsokotla
University of Pretoria Faculty of Health Sciences
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Thato Serite
University of Pretoria Faculty of Health Sciences
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Kabelo Kgarosi
University of Pretoria Faculty of Health Sciences
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Funeka Sokudela
University of Pretoria School of Medicine
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Tivani Mashamba-Thompson
University of Pretoria School of Health Systems and Public Health
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Abstract

Public health transformation aims to instigate enduring changes in healthcare services, staff roles, and patient involvement, fostering heightened satisfaction among patients and staff while bolstering financial sustainability. This scoping review maps evidence of public health transformation. Searches encompassed databases including EBSCOHost, Academic Search Complete, Africa-Wide Information, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, Health Source - Consumer Edition, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, PUBMED, and Scopus. Abstracts and full-text articles were screened by two independent reviewers against predefined criteria. Inclusion criteria spanned peer-reviewed articles in all languages published between 2013 and 2023. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the 2018 version of the mixed method appraisal tool. Screening results were reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA ScR) guidelines. Of 9509 articles retrieved, 808 duplicates were excluded, leaving 8692 for title and abstract screening. Following title and abstract screening, 105 articles were deemed relevant and underwent full article screening, which resulted in 20 that became eligible for data extraction. Emergent themes included: 1) Transformation in Public Healthcare; 2) Evaluation of Health Transformation Programs; 3) Financial Implications; 4) Public Health Access; and 5) Job Satisfaction. Theme 4 featured a subtheme addressing healthcare access for minority groups. Overall, the review highlights a dearth of evidence guiding policymakers in decision-making on public health transformation, oversight of vulnerable populations, financial implications, and healthcare accessibility. Solutions should prioritize a people-centered approach in both practice and research to effectively address these gaps.
30 Jul 2024Submitted to Public Health Challenges
01 Aug 2024Submission Checks Completed
01 Aug 2024Assigned to Editor
07 Aug 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned