About
Integrating and managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within primary care systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is a pressing global health challenge. As populations age and the burden of chronic NCDs rises, the role of the primary healthcare workforce becomes increasingly vital in ensuring equitable access to prevention, early detection, and appropriate treatment.
Impact
This review aimed to synthesize the existing knowledge on the role of health workers in managing NCDs in primary care settings within populations in LMICs.
Findings
We identified 175 articles. One hundred twenty-five (71%) highlighted the role of multidisciplinary teams, and 41 (23%) discussed optimizing roles within teams for the management of non-communicable diseases in primary care. Multidisciplinary teams often included generalist physicians, nurses, and community health workers. Optimizing roles within teams involves redistributing tasks from doctors to nurses or community health workers and from nurses to community health workers.