Professional health providers’ governance accountability mechanisms as a determinant of delivery of quality health services in Kenyatta national hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Governance in essence is exercise of authority. It entails decision making and implementation, competent control, provision of standards and accountability. Objectives: The study set out to determine influence of professional health providers’ governance accountability mechanisms in delivery of quality health services in Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Specific objectives were to establish influence of continuous professional education for health providers and peer review on delivery of quality health services in the hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, that used mixed methods design. Stratified and purposive sampling was used to get sample of 369 respondents and four key informants respectively. Results: Logistic regression results indicated that professional health providers not registered with professional bodies were 0.216 times less likely to deliver quality health services on time as compared to those who are registered. There being consequences for breach of self-regulation was 2.086 times more likely to enhance delivery of quality health services as compared to having no consequences. Significant relationship exists between continuous professional education for professional health providers and delivery of quality health services on time (p<0.05). Continuous training made application of clinical guidelines 2.157 times more likely in delivery of quality services on time. Not having the right people in the right job was 0.307 times less likely to deliver quality health services on time as compared to having the right people in the right jobs in the hospital. Conclusion: The study concluded that professional health providers’ governance accountability mechanisms is a determinant of delivery of quality health services in KNH. Recommendations: The study recommends that the hospital should ensure: i) professional health providers are registered and licensed to practice by their professional bodies, ii) continuous professional education opportunities for professional health providers are available and monitored for actual improvements in professional and clinical governance accountability, and iii) hospital management invests in technologies and infrastructure that improve patients waiting time.