OBJECTIVES

The relevance of this study is determined by the absence of a permanent body for the coordination and development of the sectoral qualifications system (SQS) in the health care system (HCS) of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This leads to the fact that decisions taken in matters of SQS development are often based on the opinion of individuals and do not have a sufficient evidence base and agreement with the professional community. All this determines the need to develop an institutional framework for the SQS development in the HCS.

METHODS

We analyzed the best practices on the SQS institutionalization in OECD countries (33 original research articles and reviews) and the scale of the problem for the HCS in Kazakhstan and the factors underlying the problem, barriers and opportunities (based on the analysis of local 14 publications and interviews with key stakeholders). Then we determined the necessary policy options.

RESULTS

: Based on our analysis, we proposed the following policy options: 1. Establishment of a Council Professional Qualifications in the HCS; 2. Formation of the SQS expert community in the context of all specialties and specializations in the HCS; (iii) Ensuring transparency and accessibility for all stakeholders of information on the state and development of the SQS. Assessing the possibility of implementation of the proposed policy options, taking into account existing barriers and opportunities, we come to the conclusion that all three policies complement each other.

CONCLUSIONS

The creation of Council Professional Qualifications will provide conditions for the formation and continuous support of the functioning of the SQS in health care, including the development and regular updating of the basic elements of the SQS (sectoral qualifications framework and professional standards), development of proposals for the introduction of new professions and competencies for health care workers.