Faculty of Science

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Browsing Faculty of Science by Subject "Ankole Region"

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    Management of Health Facility-Based Patient Transport Services in Ankole Region of Uganda.
    (Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Barebereho, John Boscow
    BAREBEREHO JOHN BOSCOW (2012-M191-10006) Management of Health Facility-Based Patient Transport Services in Ankole Region of Uganda Transport is not only an expensive resource, but is also critical to effective health care delivery. A lack of transport and the poor use of existing vehicles can lead to problems such as difficulties in referring patients between facilities. The study examined the management of facility-based patient transport by health facilities in Ankole region. The study was guided by four objectives; to establish the administrative practices for patient transport services by health facilities in Ankole region, Uganda; to find out the performance frameworks used by different health facilities for patient transport services management in Ankole region, Uganda; to explore the existing performance measures of patient transport services of different health facilities in Ankole region, Uganda and to explore the challenges associated with the management of patient transport services. The study used a descriptive survey design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study data were collected using a structured questionnaire, observation and record check list. The data were collected from health unit staff and through reviewing records. It was analysed using frequency counts, percentages, cross tabulation and reported using text, tables and charts. The findings showed that there is a positive, moderate and significant relationship between health units‟ administrative practices R 0.38 (0.05), performance frameworks R 0.58 (p ≤ 0.05), performance measures R 0.68 (p ≤ 0.05) and respondents‟ satisfaction with their patient transport services. All health facilities‟ leadership had some administrative practices targeting proper patient transport services like meetings, allocation of staff, vehicle maintenance scheduling and controls for vehicle use. There were varying performance frameworks and measures from one health facility to another as reported in this study. All health facilities‟ vehicles were aging with no plan for replacing them, vehicles were being used for other purposes most of the time (70%), and were consequently un available most of the time, guidelines for PTS were not available, no specific staff for PTS in 19 most health units nevertheless patients were being accompanied by qualified staff but untrained in basic lifesaving skills, patient transportation records and reporting were rare, faced several challenges in patient transport. The study concluded that patient transport administrative practices, performance frameworks and performance measures are positively correlated with improvement of patient transport services and are hence vital in patient safety and survival. They enable health facilities and health providers to eliminate various errors thus promoting efficiency in patient transport services‟ management. There were challenges faced by health facilities in the management of patient transport services which among others included: aging vehicles with limited maintenance and inadequate resources for PTS. The study recommends that health units should institute patient transport information systems to enable evidence-based management and continuous quality improvement. Strengthening and enforcement of administrative practices to improve the management of patient transport services. Formulation by the ministry of health of patient transport services guidelines, regulations, performance frameworks and measures that will help to check the poor management of health facility-based patient transport services. Key Words: Management, Health Facility, Patient, Transport Services, Ankole Region.
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    Quality of Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care in Health Centre IVs of Ankole Region.
    (Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Kyomuhendo, Gaudy
    KYOMUHENDO GAUDY (2012-M121-10018) Quality of Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care in Health Centre IVs of Ankole Region Whereas access to and the volume of services have expanded, there is serious concern about the quality of care in different facilities. Patients have often complained of the poor quality of the services offered at most health facilities that has greatly contributed to loss of a number of lives in addition to increased out of pocket expenditure. It is, therefore, important to note that both technical and perceived quality of care offered greatly affects utilisation of Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEmONC) services. Much as 70% of the households in Uganda live within five kilometers of a health facility, the quality of the services received in these health facilities is compromised by poor infrastructure, lack of medicines and other health supplies, shortages of human resources in the public sector, and the poor referral system. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among key CEmONC service providers at the health centre VIs of Ankole region, so as to assess the existing quality of CEmONC services that are offered at these health facilities. The study involved 11 health centre IVs; interviews with:- 11 Key health CEmONC service providers, 11 health service managers that included District Health Officers/Health unit in-charges; and 55 prospective clients who had received services from the studied health facilities. Study results point to staffing at health facilities; training of health workers; availability of the required equipment; availability of the required infrastructure; availability of medicines; and the knowledge on the processes as per CEmONC package, as the key factors that contribute to the quality of CEmONC services in Ankole region. The study found out that so far only one health centre IV in Ankole region is legible for CEmONC services provision, as per the package of Ministry of health standards. There is need for the government of Uganda and all partners to fill the existing gaps in staffing, staff training/orientations, infrastructure and equipments; in addition to strengthening support supervision by the relevant health service managers and the whole system as well. Key Words: Quality, Comprehensive, Emergency Obstetric, Neonatal Care, Health Centre, Ankole Region.
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    Quality of Diagnostic Imaging and Its Determinants in Hospitals of Ankole Region, South-Western Uganda.
    (Uganda Martyrs University, 2012) Atuhe, Innocent
    ATUHE INNOCENT (2012-M191-10005) Quality of Diagnostic Imaging and Its Determinants in Hospitals of Ankole Region, South-Western Uganda The practice of modern medicine cannot be undertaken without certain investigative facilities such as diagnostic imaging. Medical imaging provides important diagnostic support to most hospital departments, which otherwise cannot practice effectively without it. Poor imaging services can lead to misdiagnosis and treatment, prolonged hospital stays, increase in waiting times, reduced client satisfaction and poor patient treatment outcomes. Understanding factors affecting quality imaging in hospitals is vital in improving imaging services. A descriptive cross sectional study of 14 hospitals was done using Donabedian„s model of quality of care analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 98 clinicians, and 14 radiographers. Exit interviews with 184 clients were conducted to determine their satisfaction with imaging services. Inspection of imaging 18 premises and equipment was done using a checklist and 28 key informants were interviewed about inputs, processes and outputs of quality imaging. The quality of imaging services in Ankole hospitals was found to be poor. Imaging premises were found to be substandard. Radiation shielding was inadequate. Filled staff positions were 33.3% of the approved norms. Ten of the 14 hospitals provided imaging services for only 8 hours a day denying clients services at night and during weekends. Average waiting times before procedures ranged from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Average report turn around times for x-ray and ultra sound procedures were 28.3 to 17.1 minutes respectively. Clinicians and radiographers were found not knowledgeable of aspects of quality diagnostic imaging. Imaging units lacked basic PPE and both patients and staff were at risk of radiation exposure. No staff had attended training in basic radiation safety. There was no radiation exposure monitoring in all imaging units. Rating of provider and client satisfaction with imaging services was at 69% and 81% respectively. The quality of diagnostic imaging in Ankole hospitals was poor. It is affected by substandard imaging premises, inadequate radiation protection, understaffing, limited access at night and weekend and lack of radiation monitoring. Enforcement of adherence to recommended standards for premises and radiation protection, recruitment of additional radiology staff, and training staff in aspects of quality imaging could improve the services. Key Words: Quality, Diagnostic Imaging, Determinants, Hospitals, Ankole Region.