Managerial Competencies‑A Survey of Healthcare Managers in A Tertiary Hospital in Calabar, South‑South Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Tertiary hospitals are specialized institutions that provide managed care for patients. It has been shown that the productivity of any organization/institution is as good as the performance of its managers.

Aim: This study assessed the management knowledge of Healthcare Managers in a tertiary hospital in Calabar, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a  descriptive cross‑sectional study that employed a structured questionnaire (adapted from the Health Leadership Alliance competency directory). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results: A total of 266 managers were included in this studywith a M: F ratio of 1.3:1. The knowledge rating of role of non‑clinical professionals,  regulatory agency standards, preparation of business communication, change process management and policy formulation and analysis varied significantly among the three levels of management (p < 0.05). Less than 50% of operational and middle managers rated themselves as experts in all the competency domains while majority (80%) of strategic managers rated themselves as more than proficient in most of the competency items.

Conclusion: There is inadequate managerial knowledge at all levels of management in a typical tertiary hospital in Nigeria with the potential to impact negatively on quality healthcare delivery.

Keywords: Calabar, management knowledge, Nigeria, south‑south, Tertiary healthcare managers