Journals Information
Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 3(3), pp. 120 - 127
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2015.030303
Reprint (PDF) (282Kb)
Health Services Consumers Perceptions on Task Shifting of Primary Healthcare Functions to Community Health Workers in Rural Butere Sub County, Western Kenya
Diana S. Mombo *, Dan C. O. Kaseje
Faculty of Tropical Institute of Community Health and Development, Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Background: Attaining universal access to primary healthcare services require radical changes in human resource and retention strategies. Hence, the task shifting is introduced. This is a process of delegation whereby tasks are moved to the most appropriate but less specialized level of Community Health Workers (CHWs). Effective planning to enhance scaling up of this strategy however, needs evidence which according to many researchers is vital but lacking. Methodology: This study provides such data for evidence based health policy decision making through the health services consumers' perceptions on task shifting in relation to CHWs current roles and responsibilities. The study was qualitative with fifteen focus group discussions held with health service consumers linked to the CHWs services. Ethical approval was gained through the Moi University and Great Lakes University of Kisumu Ethical Review Board and Committee respectively. Results: Short duration training programs, with mostly promotional, preventive and some curative tasks were suggested to be shifted to CHWs with a relatively strong monitoring and supervision mechanism. Consumers agreed that task shifting had significantly increased access to health services and improved health outcomes. Conclusion: Task shifting if well implemented could play a major role in improving access to, and equity in provision of primary healthcare services. However, there is the need to recognize, and carefully plan and implement task shifting. Failure to do so could result in it becoming a parallel health system competing with the formal healthcare system but with compromised quality. Hence, the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders need to institute quality assurance frameworks, including standardized training, supervision, certification and regular assessments for effective task shifting models.
KEYWORDS
Task Shifting, Rural, Community Health Strategy, Community Health Workers
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Diana S. Mombo , Dan C. O. Kaseje , "Health Services Consumers Perceptions on Task Shifting of Primary Healthcare Functions to Community Health Workers in Rural Butere Sub County, Western Kenya," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 120 - 127, 2015. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2015.030303.
(b). APA Format:
Diana S. Mombo , Dan C. O. Kaseje (2015). Health Services Consumers Perceptions on Task Shifting of Primary Healthcare Functions to Community Health Workers in Rural Butere Sub County, Western Kenya. Universal Journal of Public Health, 3(3), 120 - 127. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2015.030303.