Level of health care and services in a tertiary health setting in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: There is a growing awareness and demand for quality health care across the world; hence the need to describe the level of health care and services provided to meet the patient centered care by the frontline stakeholders.

Aim of study: To determine the current level of care provided in a tertiary hospital in a developing country setting. Study design: prospective, descriptive and questionnaire based survey.
Methods: The study was conducted at the National Hospital Abuja, a
tertiary care setting in Nigeria. 157 health workers were enrolled, who
responded to questions on the clinical, support and corporate services
of the hospital. Response were either yes, no or do not know. The result were analyzed and presented in tables and charts.
Results: Of 157 respondents, 66 males (42.0%) 91 females (58.0%). Doctors and nurses formed 64.3% of the study population. 114 (72.6%) of the health staff agreed that patients received appropriate medical needs and treatments, 118 (75.2%) that care was planned with patient involvement, 107(68.2%) that patients were informed of results and final care processes, 127 (80.9%) that patient were aware of consent processes and 112 (71.3%) that patients at discharge were aware of their ongoing and subsequent care. 90 (57.3%) of the respondents agreed that the patients records were accurate with patients’ participation and medications
well managed to prevent errors and adverse reactions (75.2%). Infection control and routine surveillance were low. Safe blood sample collection
measures (74.5%), measures to reduce break in skin integrity (77.7%), and bed sores rare and effectively managed (38.9%). Some agreed that patient received appropriate nutrition (58.0%). Information on patients’ rights and responsibilities, and continuous quality control measures rates
were low. Others were adverse incidences reported and treated (50.3%), feedbacks mechanism (66.9%) and complaints management rates (54.8%). Hand washing practice rates were low among doctors and nurses and patient relatives. Staff rated that both workforces planning that supported needs and recruitment  and appointment systems low.
Records were not updated to meet with international standards (ICD-10); (22.9%) and had low rates for use in future purposes. Also low were the level of medical and environmental research, informal relationship and security, but the management had a high level of social responsibility in form of emergency and disaster management to the immediate  community; (83.4%).
Conclusion: Health workers agreed that some of the patients’ needs were met.

Key word: Health care, health workers, services