Best practices in ethical recruitment for healthcare top-up programs : a literature review for University of Applied Sciences

Abstract

Recruiting internationally educated healthcare professionals was increasingly critical for addressing workforce shortages, but it also presents ethical challenges. This thesis examined how Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) can implement ethical, inclusive, and equitable recruitment practices within healthcare top-up programs. The study aimed to identify and analyse best practices in ethical recruitment, with a focus on enhancing UAS recruitment processes and supporting the well-being of internationally trained healthcare professionals. A qualitative literature review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. This process identified 170 relevant records from four academic databases. After applying eligibility criteria, ten studies published between 2015 and 2025 were included in the qualitative analysis. Inductive content analysis revealed three primary themes essential for ethical recruitment: transparent communication, supportive integration, and institutional accountability. Study limitations included language restrictions, database scope, and the limited number of studies addressing healthcare top-up programs. Despite these limitations, the findings offered practical recommendations for UAS and policymakers and identified areas for future research. Integrating ethical principles into recruitment processes could improve student outcomes and support the sustainability of the healthcare workforce.