Findings from a rapid review of literature on ghost workers in the health sector: towards improving detection and prevention

Overview

The problem of ghost workers in the health sector is an understudied phenomenon, yet the existence of this form of payroll fraud is a significant drain on public health and overall budgets in some countries, undercutting global and public health goals. This rapid review explores a selection of relevant research to identify types of payroll fraud related to the ghost worker problem, and analyses how the fraud triangle theory can help to explain the prevalence of ghost workers in the health sector. The rapid literature review draws on evidence from various country contexts. Detection and prevention of ghost workers in the health sector may be improved through increased transparency and accountability in payroll processes, improved record keeping and strong record management systems, monitoring of human resources for health (HRH) and specific technology tools.