Elements of social accountability in undergraduate health sciences curricula: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Social accountability represents the social contract between medicine and society, encouraging healthcare professionals (HCPs) to address social and health-related issues. The importance of integrating social accountability into curricula is widely recognised, but there is a lack of comprehensive mapping of the specific elements that should be included. Objectives: To identify the key elements of social accountability that should be integrated into undergraduate health sciences curricula to develop socially accountable HCPs. Method: The scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual 2015 for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search was employed using various keyword combinations and search strings, inclusive of published and grey literature from the past 15 years. Studies were systematically charted and analysed. Results: A rigorous screening process resulted in 47 studies being included in the review. Majority of the studies were qualitative, with the highest number of studies originating from Canada, South Africa, and the United States, as well as several multi-country studies. Equity emerged as the most frequently mentioned value, while cost-effectiveness was discussed the least. Conclusion: The scoping review demonstrates that embedding equity-driven approaches, community engagement, interprofessional collaboration and transformative learning in healthcare systems and tertiary institutions is vital. Addressing these priorities through undergraduate health sciences training can foster more inclusive, responsive and effective healthcare delivery, and improve health outcomes. Clinical implications: Integrating the identified elements of social accountability into undergraduate health sciences curricula may lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced health disparities, and more effective, patient-centred care.