Social Accountability, A Primary Driver for Impactful Health Professions Education and Universal Health Coverage: A Policy Brief

Abstract

Discrepancies between the needs of communities and the competencies of health professionals are hurdles to achieving universal health coverage. An effective mechanism, social accountability, has been recognized to maximize positive impact, increase health systems, and improve health outcomes of the population to address this discrepancy. According to the World Health Organization, Social Accountability in health professions education refers to “the obligation to direct education, research, and service towards addressing priority health concerns of the community, region, and/or nation that they have a mandate to serve.” These priority health concerns are to be identified jointly by governments, healthcare organizations, health professionals, and communities. In the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences (FCHS) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), terms such as “community engagement,” “patient-centered care,” and “social responsibility” are often used to describe its mission. However, there is a lack of consensus within the faculty regarding the primary driver that ensures students graduate as health professionals who are both prepared and motivated to work with communities to address their health needs. Social Accountability not only increases equity but also the relevance, cost-effectiveness, and, ultimately, the quality of education at the institution, resulting in better healthcare service delivery for all. While impactful work incorporating social accountability is already being done in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences (FCHS), it is crucial to showcase and model this approach in all faculty activities. This policy brief aims to facilitate the full integration of social accountability principles into the curricula of all programs offered by the FCHS at the University of the Western Cape, encompassing teaching and learning, research, and community engagement.  It highlights the need to develop health professionals who understand social determinants of health, promote community well-being and health equity, and advocate for systemic change to achieve universal health coverage.