Conceptualizing resilience among health workers in the Gaza Strip: a scoping review

Abstract

Background

Resilience is critical for healthcare workers operating under prolonged conflict, enabling adaptation and continuity of care despite adversity. In the Gaza Strip, extreme constraints challenge health systems, yet research on healthcare worker resilience remains limited.

Objective

This study aims to systematically review and synthesize existing peer-reviewed literature on the resilience of healthcare workers in the Gaza Strip. The objective is to identify and synthesize the existing knowledge available on resilience among health workers in this context.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines and Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Databases searched included CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, and Scopus. Relevant data were extracted and synthesized to map the scope of resilience-related findings.

Results

The studies analyzed the concept of resilience in included studies. Findings indicate that despite extensive debate on the relationship between resilience and related constructions, there is no consensus on a universal definition of the concept in the context of the Gaza Strip. The culturally and contextually embedded nature of resilience is not explicitly addressed, nor is the complexity of multidimensional interactions or the nature of adversity that shapes resilience.

Conclusion

Healthcare workers in Palestine endure extreme psychological and operational pressures, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and systemic disruptions. Understanding the resilience mechanisms of Palestinian health workers remains limited and is crucial for developing context-specific interventions that enhance their ability to cope and sustain care provision. Future research should refine resilience frameworks to support healthcare workers comprehensively and ensure sustainable healthcare provision under conflict conditions.