Evaluation of the Level of Quality Health Care Accorded to Patients in Selected Public and Private Hospitals in Kiambu and Nairobi Counties in Kenya

Abstract

To evaluate the level of quality health care provided to patients in public and private hospitals in Kiambu and Nairobi counties. This study evaluated the level of quality health care provided to patients in Mbagathi District Hospital, Jamaa Mission Hospital (Nairobi), Kiambu District Hospital and Nazareth Mission Hospital (Kiambu) in Kenya. Descriptive cross sectional study design was used, where qualitative and quantitative approach was applied for data collection. Data was collected, recorded for three months, and analyzed at p ≤ 0.05 test of significance using SPSS statistical package. The relationship between variables was tested using Chi-square and the result was presented in graphs and tables. Purposive sampling was used to choose the location. Observation checklists were used by interviewers and proportional cluster sampling method was used to calculate sample size (800) of hospitalized patients above 18 years. Sample size in each cluster was determined according to the proportion of hospitalized patients. Systematic sampling was used in order to select the patients to be interviewed. The Heads of Departments were interviewed using both self- enumerated and in-depth interview guides. The study revealed the following; the majority of inpatients admitted were female in all hospitals of the study (deleted a statement here). The results shows that there was no gender inequality in health care provision both male and female were treated equally. The study also shows that there was relationship between occupation and education level with courtesy and respects of the health providers those with high education and in employment were served with respect and courtesy while those unemployed and low education were not served with courtesy and respect by health providers showing discrimination of social classes. However, the clients credited the doctors for their positive attitude. The study revealed that there was no relationship between motivation and quality. The evaluation study results shows that both Mission and Government hospitals considered the aspect of quality care though, there is still a lot to be done in order to achieve the high level of quality health care as set by the Ministry of Health (MOH) especially in the government set up. The study recommends the use of continuous evaluation to help in identifying the elements of quality health care that can be improved using the limited resources available as a starting point. The findings would be important for both public and private hospital managers, Ministry of Health, policy makers and other stakeholders.