Influence of Performance Planning on Health Workers Performance at Public Hospitals in Nairobi County Kenya

Abstract

Effective performance management is crucial for delivering health services. It is a key component of the healthy workforce pillar in health systems, contributing significantly to optimal healthcare outcomes. By evaluating and enhancing employee performance, performance management systems help healthcare organizations maximize the contributions of healthcare professionals towards expected health outcomes. Performance planning is a vital part of performance management systems. It is a strategic process that ensures organizational goals are achieved through collaboration with staff. This involves setting SMART goals by both employers and employees and creating a plan to achieve these goals. The study aimed to investigate the impact of performance planning on the performance of medical staff in public hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya. The goal was to understand how performance planning within performance management systems affects health workers' performance. The study was based on goal-setting theory. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used. Stratified random sampling method was used to recruit 594 health professionals from Mama Lucy, Mbagathi, and Makadara Hospital. 17 physicians, 201 nurses, and 21 clinical officers were sampled. Pretest study was conducted to evaluate validity and reliability of the research tool, with internal consistency measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Primary data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. SPSS was used to code and analyze raw data. Inferential statistics and descriptive methods were employed for data analysis. Regression model was used to explore the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Results were presented using frequencies, means, standard deviations, and percentages. Findings indicated that clear job descriptions, setting SMART goals, and employee motivation significantly influenced health workers' performance. The study highlighted the importance of reliable plans, offering consistent evaluations, constructive feedback, and employer support. The research suggests, hospitals can enhance patient care quality by fostering a culture of accountability, recognition, and motivation, leading to improved performance.