Assessment of Barriers and Facilitators to the Delivery of Care for Noncommunicable Diseases by Nonphysician Health Workers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract

Key Points Question What are the health system factors that support or impair the ability of nonphysician health workers to treat noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries? Findings This systematic review and qualitative analysis examined 15 systematic reviews, encompassing 71 studies. These studies consistently demonstrated 6 key lessons of successful care by nonphysician health workers: careful staff recruitment, detailed training, authorization to provide autonomous care, adequate medications and supplies, reliable data systems, and fair, performance-based compensation. Meaning Effective, scalable care for noncommunicable diseases led by nonphysicians is feasible in diverse low-resource settings but requires several common, key implementation steps.