Private Sector Participation in Healthcare within Gulf Cooperation Council Settings - Scoping Review Protocol
Abstract
Objective: This scoping review aims to map the extent and impact of private sector participation in healthcare delivery within GCC countries, focusing on forms of participation and their impact on healthcare.
Introduction: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have traditionally relied on oil revenues for economic stability. However, this dependence is unsustainable, necessitating diversification into sectors such as healthcare. This scoping review explores private sector participation in healthcare. These initiatives are critical for enhancing healthcare capacity, quality, and accessibility while alleviating the financial burden on governments.
Methodology: The Arksey and O’Malley (2005) framework will guide this review, incorporating six steps: identifying the research question, identifying relevant research, selecting studies, charting the data, collating, summarizing, and reporting the findings, and consulting industry experts. The review will utilize databases like PubMed and Google Scholar along with grey literature from governmental websites and reports from international organizations. Data extraction and analysis will follow a descriptive analytical method, with thematic synthesis applied to summarize findings wherever possible. The study selection and data extraction will involve two independent reviewers.
Discussion: This review will provide valuable insights for policymakers. Understanding the different approaches and outcomes in GCC Countries will help stakeholders develop cohesive strategies that support broader economic and health reforms. Enhanced private sector participation can lead to improved healthcare access, affordability, and quality, while also reducing the GCC’s dependence on oil revenues and public sector employment. Furthermore, the review will add to the research pertaining to private sector participation in healthcare within the GCC.
Keywords: Gulf Cooperation Council; healthcare; private sector participation; privatization; public-private partnerships; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; Qatar; Oman; Kuwait; Bahrain
