International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences ISSN 2167-0404 Vol. 5 (9), pp. 288-294, October, 2015. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Parameters for improving health-care in Nigeria: The case of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

James Efiong, Edem Akpan, and Ufot Edet

Department of Physical and Health Education, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 22 October, 2015

Abstract

Constant poor health care quality is attributable to non-responsive foreign models necessitated this study to develop quality assurance package (QAP) for health care in Nigeria with focus on Akwa Ibom State. Quality assurance index (QAI) was the instrument for data collection. A multi-stage random sample of 340 respondents was drawn from 840 health managers in primary health care settings in the state. The research and development (R&D) survey designed was used to develop the package through progressive steps such as: (a) Exploration and establishment of need for the package through library search; (b) determination of the elements (contents) for quality assurance; (c) preliminary validation of the elements; (d) empirical validation of the contents to determine the suitability; and (e) integral feedback mechanism. From the findings of the study, suitable elements for quality assurance identified were: the philosophy {(care should be at minimal risk to client (84.9%), care of benefit to client (79.5%), health worker should aim at best result as they demonstrate moral sense of duty (73.6%); workers should strive for best results (62.4%)}; objectives (giving consumers adequate information in tandem with local needs and exigencies (80.4%), continuous care innovations (67.6%), and safeguarding consumers’ satisfaction (76.6%); and measures for quality assurance (continuous education for health workers (87.2%), licensing all health care givers (83.5%), close supervision (79.8%), minimizing unjustified geo-variation of care (85.3%), reducing access barrier (79.4%), among others). The package was recommended for adoption for health care administration in the country.

Key words: Ikorok, healthcare quality assurance parameters.