Perceived clinical negligence and consequences on patients: A case study of Kaneshie Polyclinic in Ghana

Abstract

This study investigates the perception of clinical negligence at a health facility (Kaneshie Polyclinic) in Ghana. We also ascertain the perceived consequences of clinical negligence on patients at the Kaneshie Polyclinic. A survey of seventy-eight (78) healthcare providers and hundred and thirty-two (132) patients were conducted using the Cochran’s sample size formula. The findings of the study revealed that both patients and healthcare providers perceived that clinical negligence occurred at the facility and it was caused by different factors, including bad handwriting, medication errors, fatigue on the part of healthcare providers, poor communications, diagnostic errors etc. Victims of the negligence also experienced various problems as a result of the clinical negligence, including the extra cost on drugs, transportation cost to the facility, loss of employment opportunities, depression, dislike for the health professionals, fear of going to the hospital, task re-allocation, loss of working days, prolonged hospitalization etc. A number of useful recommendations are proffered to address the problem of clinical negligence at the Kaneshie Polyclinic.