Employee Performance Appraisal Methods: A Scoping Review

Background: Employee performance appraisal is essential for improving healthcare service delivery through systematic staff evaluation. In the health sector, effective appraisals support decision-making and professional development. Objective: This study aims to map and categorize existing employee performance appraisal methods in the health system using a scoping review approach. Methods: This scoping review was conducted using the JBI 2024 protocol. Articles published up to December 2024 were identified through four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The keywords used were “Personnel appraisal,” “Health workers,” and “Health workforce.” Inclusion criteria focused on studies assessing employee appraisal methods in health systems. Results: From 1245 initially identified articles, 42 met the inclusion criteria. Appraisal methods were classified into traditional and modern categories. Traditional methods included ranking, critical incidents, and graphic rating scales. Modern approaches involved 360-degree feedback, Management by Objectives (MBO), and Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS). Conclusion: No single appraisal method suits all healthcare environments. A hybrid approach tailored to organizational context and job roles is recommended. Emphasis should be placed on objective evaluation, customization, and rater relevance to improve performance outcomes.