Factors Affecting Health Workers' Professionalism. A Systematic Review

Abigail Chuma Kalemba^1, , Adess Mwale¹, Andrew Tembo¹, Chipego Hajamba¹, Euphrasia Sibeso¹, Esther Jere¹, Eurody Kamwendo¹, George Zulu¹, Ireen Kamoto Phiri¹, Jane Mulife¹, Oliver Phiri¹ and Vernacious Momba¹

¹Department of Nursing, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia

Cite this paper:
Abigail Chuma Kalemba, Adess Mwale, Andrew Tembo, Chipego Hajamba, Euphrasia Sibeso, Esther Jere, Eurody Kamwendo, George Zulu, Ireen Kamoto Phiri, Jane Mulife, Oliver Phiri and Vernacious Momba. Factors Affecting Health Workers' Professionalism. A Systematic Review. American Journal of Nursing Research. 2026; 14(2):44-46. doi: 10.12691/ajnr-14-2-4

Abstract

Professionalism among healthcare workers plays a crucial role in the delivery of quality healthcare services. This systematic literature review identifies and analyzes individual and organizational factors that influence professionalism among healthcare workers. A systematic search of electronic databases; MEDLINE (PubMed), the Lancet, Google Scholar, and Research Gate was conducted. Both quantitative and qualitative studies published within the last 10 years were included. The studies were screened against the PICO framework using key words and 17 eligible studies were extracted. The review identified significant barriers to professionalism as organizational stressors like; excessive workload, burnout, inadequate resources and brain drain. Conversely, factors like advanced education, clinical experience and competence, good communication skills, and integrity positively influence professional behavior. The findings indicate that professionalism is multifaceted, therefore, organizational challenges that mitigate burnout must be addressed and provide conducive environments to sustain required professional standards. Strengthening leadership and management is essential for improving healthcare quality.

Keywords:
professionalism healthcare workers factors systematic review professional ethics

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