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Zeng Z, Yu X, Tao W, Feng W, Zhang W. Efficiency evaluation and promoter identification of primary health care system in China: an enhanced DEA-Tobit approach. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:777. [PMID: 38961461 PMCID: PMC11223419 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11244-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With Primary Health Care (PHC) being a cornerstone of accessible, affordable, and effective healthcare worldwide, its efficiency, especially in developing countries like China, is crucial for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This study evaluates the efficiency of PHC systems in a southwest China municipality post-healthcare reform, identifying factors influencing efficiency and proposing strategies for improvement. METHODS Utilising a 10-year provincial panel dataset, this study employs an enhanced Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model integrating Slack-Based Measure (SBM) and Directional Distance Function (DDF) with the Global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) index for efficiency evaluation. Tobit regression analysis identifies efficiency determinants within the context of China's healthcare reforms, focusing on horizontal integration, fiscal spending, urbanisation rates, and workforce optimisation. RESULTS The study reveals a slight decline in PHC system efficiency across the municipality from 2009 to 2018. However, the highest-performing county achieved a 2.36% increase in Total Factor Productivity (TFP), demonstrating the potential of horizontal integration reforms and strategic fiscal investments in enhancing PHC efficiency. However, an increase in nurse density per 1,000 population negatively correlated with efficiency, indicating the need for a balanced approach to workforce expansion. CONCLUSIONS Horizontal integration reforms, along with targeted fiscal inputs and urbanisation, are key to improving PHC efficiency in underdeveloped regions. The study underscores the importance of optimising workforce allocation and skillsets over mere expansion, providing valuable insights for policymakers aiming to strengthen PHC systems toward achieving UHC in China and similar contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Zeng
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Office of Policy Research, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention & Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiru Yu
- Institute for Hospital Management, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Wenjuan Tao
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Wei Feng
- West China School of Public Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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Binyaruka P, Martinez-Alvarez M, Pitt C, Borghi J. Assessing equity and efficiency of health financing towards universal health coverage between regions in Tanzania. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116457. [PMID: 38086221 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Equity and efficiency in health financing are intermediate universal health coverage (UHC) objectives. While there is growing attention to monitoring these goals at the national level, subnational assessment is also needed to uncover potential divergences across subnational units. We assessed whether health funds were allocated or contributed equitably and spent efficiently across 26 regions in Tanzania in 2017/18 for four sources of funding. Government and donor health basket fund (HBF) expenditure data were obtained from government authorities. Household contributions to health insurance and out-of-pocket payments were obtained from the national household budget survey. We used the Kakwani index (KI) to measure regional funding equity, whereby regional GDP per capita measured regional economic status. Efficiency analysis included four financing inputs and two UHC outputs (maternal health service coverage and financial protection indices). Data envelopment analysis estimated efficiency scores. There was substantial variation in per capita regional funding, especially in insurance contributions (TZS 473-13,520), and service coverage performance (49-86.3%). There was less variation in per capita HBF spending (TZS 1294-2394) and financial protection (93.5-99.4%). Government spending (KI: -0.047, p = 0.348) was proportional to regional economic status; but HBF spending (KI: -0.195, p < 0.001) was significantly progressive (equitably distributed), being targeted to regions with high economic need (poor). The burden of contributing to social health insurance (NHIF) was proportional (KI: 0.058, p = 0.613), while the burden of paying for community-based insurance (CHF, KI: -0.152, p=0.012) and out-of-pocket payments (KI: -0.187, p=0.005) was higher among the poor (regressive). The average efficiency score across regions was 90%, indicating that 90% of financial resources were used optimally, while 10% were wasted or underutilised. Tanzania should continue mobilising domestic resources for health towards UHC, and reduce reliance on inequitable out-of-pocket payments and community-based health insurance. Policymakers must enhance resource allocation formulas, public financial management, and sub-national resource tracking to improve equity and efficiency in resource use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Binyaruka
- Department of Health System, Impact Evaluation, and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute, PO Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Melisa Martinez-Alvarez
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia; Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar-Fann, Senegal.
| | - Catherine Pitt
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, WC1H 9SH, London, UK.
| | - Josephine Borghi
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, WC1H 9SH, London, UK.
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Olago A, Suharlim C, Hussein S, Njuguna D, Macharia S, Muñoz R, Opuni M, Castro H, Uzamukunda C, Walker D, Birse S, Wangia E, Gilmartin C. The costs and financing needs of delivering Kenya's primary health care service package. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1226163. [PMID: 37900028 PMCID: PMC10613057 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1226163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction For many Kenyans, high-quality primary health care (PHC) services remain unavailable, inaccessible, or unaffordable. To address these challenges, the Government of Kenya has committed to strengthening the country's PHC system by introducing a comprehensive package of PHC services and promoting the efficient use of existing resources through its primary care network approach. Our study estimated the costs of delivering PHC services in public sector facilities in seven sub-counties, comparing actual costs to normative costs of delivering Kenya's PHC package and determining the corresponding financial resource gap to achieving universal coverage. Methods We collected primary data from a sample of 71 facilities, including dispensaries, health centers, and sub-county hospitals. Data on facility-level recurrent costs were collected retrospectively for 1 year (2018-2019) to estimate economic costs from the public sector perspective. Total actual costs from the sampled facilities were extrapolated using service utilization data from the Kenya Health Information System for the universe of facilities to obtain sub-county and national PHC cost estimates. Normative costs were estimated based on standard treatment protocols and the populations in need of PHC in each sub-county. Results and discussion The average actual PHC cost per capita ranged from US$ 9.3 in Ganze sub-county to US$ 47.2 in Mukurweini while the normative cost per capita ranged from US$ 31.8 in Ganze to US$ 42.4 in Kibwezi West. With the exception of Mukurweini (where there was no financial resource gap), closing the resource gap would require significant increases in PHC expenditures and/or improvements to increase the efficiency of PHC service delivery such as improved staff distribution, increased demand for services and patient loads per clinical staff, and reduced bypass to higher level facilities. This study offers valuable evidence on sub-national cost variations and resource requirements to guide the implementation of the government's PHC reforms and resource mobilization efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agatha Olago
- Kenya Ministry of Health, Department of Primary Health Care, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Christian Suharlim
- Management Sciences for Health, Medford, MA, United States
- Management Sciences for Health, Health Economics and Financing, Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Salim Hussein
- Kenya Ministry of Health, Department of Primary Health Care, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David Njuguna
- Kenya Ministry of Health, Health Economist, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephen Macharia
- Kenya Ministry of Health, Director of Planning, Chief Economist and Head of Planning, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Hector Castro
- Management Sciences for Health, Medford, MA, United States
- Management Sciences for Health, Health Economics and Financing, Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Clarisse Uzamukunda
- Management Sciences for Health, Medford, MA, United States
- Independent Consultant, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Damian Walker
- Management Sciences for Health, Medford, MA, United States
- Management Sciences for Health, Health Economics and Financing, Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Sarah Birse
- Management Sciences for Health, Medford, MA, United States
- Management Sciences for Health, Health Economics and Financing, Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Wangia
- Kenya Ministry of Health, Department of Health Financing, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Colin Gilmartin
- Management Sciences for Health, Medford, MA, United States
- Management Sciences for Health, Health Economics and Financing, Arlington, VA, United States
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Nyawira L, Njuguna RG, Tsofa B, Musiega A, Munywoki J, Hanson K, Mulwa A, Molyneux S, Maina I, Normand C, Jemutai J, Barasa E. Examining the influence of health sector coordination on the efficiency of county health systems in Kenya. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:355. [PMID: 37041505 PMCID: PMC10091577 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health systems are complex, consisting of multiple interacting structures and actors whose effective coordination is paramount to enhancing health system goals. Health sector coordination is a potential source of inefficiency in the health sector. We examined how the coordination of the health sector affects health system efficiency in Kenya. METHODS We conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study, collecting data at the national level and in two purposely selected counties in Kenya. We collected data using in-depth interviews (n = 37) with national and county-level respondents, and document reviews. We analyzed the data using a thematic approach. RESULTS The study found that while formal coordination structures exist in the Kenyan health system, duplication, fragmentation, and misalignment of health system functions and actor actions compromise the coordination of the health sector. These challenges were observed in both vertical (coordination within the ministry of health, within the county departments of health, and between the national ministry of health and the county department of health) and horizontal coordination mechanisms (coordination between the ministry of health or the county department of health and non-state partners, and coordination among county governments). These coordination challenges are likely to impact the efficiency of the Kenyan health system by increasing the transaction costs of health system functions. Inadequate coordination also impairs the implementation of health programmes and hence compromises health system performance. CONCLUSION The efficiency of the Kenyan health system could be enhanced by strengthening the coordination of the Kenyan health sector. This can be achieved by aligning and harmonizing the intergovernmental and health sector-specific coordination mechanisms, strengthening the implementation of the Kenya health sector coordination framework at the county level, and enhancing donor coordination through common funding arrangements and integrating vertical disease programs with the rest of the health system. The ministry of health and county departments of health should also review internal organizational structures to enhance functional and role clarity of organizational units and staff, respectively. Finally, counties should consider initiating health sector coordination mechanisms between counties to reduce the fragmentation of health system functions across neighboring counties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizah Nyawira
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rebecca G Njuguna
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benjamin Tsofa
- Health Systems and Research Ethics Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Anita Musiega
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Munywoki
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kara Hanson
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew Mulwa
- Directorate of Medical Services, preventive and promotive health, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sassy Molyneux
- Health Systems and Research Ethics Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Isabel Maina
- Health Financing Department, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Normand
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College, the University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julie Jemutai
- Health Systems and Research Ethics Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Edwine Barasa
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore Business School, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Musiega A, Tsofa B, Nyawira L, Njuguna RG, Munywoki J, Hanson K, Mulwa A, Molyneux S, Maina I, Normand C, Jemutai J, Barasa E. Examining the influence of budget execution processes on the efficiency of county health systems in Kenya. Health Policy Plan 2023; 38:351-362. [PMID: 36367746 PMCID: PMC10074769 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czac098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Public financial management (PFM) processes are a driver of health system efficiency. PFM happens within the budget cycle which entails budget formulation, execution and accountability. At the budget execution phase, budgets are implemented by spending as planned to generate a desired output or outcome. Understanding how the budget execution processes influence the use of inputs and the outcomes that result is important for maximizing efficiency. This study sought to explain how the budget execution processes influence the efficiency of health systems, an area that is understudied, using a case study of county health systems in Kenya. We conducted a concurrent mixed methods case study using counties classified as relatively efficient (n = 2) and relatively inefficient (n = 2). We developed a conceptual framework from a literature review to guide the development of tools and analysis. We collected qualitative data through document reviews and in-depth interviews (n = 70) with actors from health and finance sectors at the national and county level. We collected quantitative data from secondary sources, including budgets and budget reports. We analysed qualitative data using the thematic approach and carried out descriptive analyses on quantitative data. The budget execution processes within counties in Kenya were characterized by poor budget credibility, cash disbursement delays, limited provider autonomy and poor procurement practices. These challenges were linked to an inappropriate input mix that compromised the capacity of county health systems to deliver health-care services, misalignment between county health needs and the use of resources, reduced staff motivation and productivity, procurement inefficiencies and reduced county accountability for finances and performance. The efficiency of county health systems in Kenya can be enhanced by improving budget credibility, cash disbursement processes, procurement processes and provider autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Musiega
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, 197 Lenana Place, Lenana Road, P.O Box 43460-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore Business School, Strathmore University, Ole Sangale Road, P.O. Box 59857-00200, Madaraka, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benjamin Tsofa
- Health Systems and Research Ethics Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O Box 230-8010, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Lizah Nyawira
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, 197 Lenana Place, Lenana Road, P.O Box 43460-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rebecca G Njuguna
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, 197 Lenana Place, Lenana Road, P.O Box 43460-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Munywoki
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, 197 Lenana Place, Lenana Road, P.O Box 43460-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kara Hanson
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Andrew Mulwa
- Directorate of Medical Services, Preventive and Pomotive Health, Ministry of Health, Afya House, Cathedral Road, P.O. Box 30016-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sassy Molyneux
- Health Systems and Research Ethics Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O Box 230-8010, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Isabel Maina
- Health Financing Department, Ministry of Health, Afya House, Cathedral Road, P.O. Box 30016-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Normand
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julie Jemutai
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, 197 Lenana Place, Lenana Road, P.O Box 43460-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edwine Barasa
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, 197 Lenana Place, Lenana Road, P.O Box 43460-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore Business School, Strathmore University, Ole Sangale Road, P.O. Box 59857-00200, Madaraka, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, South Parks Road, Oxon, Oxford OX1 3SY, UK
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Efficiency Measurement Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in Public Healthcare: Research Trends from 2017 to 2022. Processes (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11030811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
With the shifting healthcare environment, the importance of public healthcare systems is being emphasized, and the efficiency of public healthcare systems has become a critical research agenda. We reviewed recent research on the efficiency of public healthcare systems using DEA, which is one of the leading methods for efficiency analysis. Through a systematic review, we investigated research trends in terms of research purposes, specific DEA techniques, input/output factors used for models, etc. Based on the review results, future research directions are suggested. The results of this paper provide valuable information and guidelines for future DEA research on public healthcare systems.
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Mbau R, Musiega A, Nyawira L, Tsofa B, Mulwa A, Molyneux S, Maina I, Jemutai J, Normand C, Hanson K, Barasa E. Analysing the Efficiency of Health Systems: A Systematic Review of the Literature. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2023; 21:205-224. [PMID: 36575334 PMCID: PMC9931792 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-022-00785-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficiency refers the use of resources in ways that optimise desired outcomes. Health system efficiency is a priority concern for policy makers globally as countries aim to achieve universal health coverage, and face the additional challenge of an aging population. Efficiency analysis in the health sector has typically focused on the efficiency of healthcare facilities (hospitals, primary healthcare facilities), with few studies focusing on system level (national or sub-national) efficiency. We carried out a thematic review of literature that assessed the efficiency of health systems at the national and sub-national level. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of PubMed and Google scholar between 2000 and 2021 and a manual search of relevant papers selected from their reference lists. A total of 131 papers were included. We analysed and synthesised evidence from the selected papers using a thematic approach (selecting, sorting, coding and charting collected data according to identified key issues and themes). FINDINGS There were more publications from high- and upper middle-income countries (53%) than from low-income and lower middle-income countries. There were also more publications focusing on national level (60%) compared to sub-national health systems' efficiency. Only 6% of studies used either qualitative methods or mixed methods while 94% used quantitative approaches. Data envelopment analysis, a non-parametric method, was the most common methodological approach used, followed by stochastic frontier analysis, a parametric method. A range of regression methods were used to identify the determinants of health system efficiency. While studies used a range of inputs, these generally considered the building blocks of health systems, health risk factors, and social determinants of health. Outputs used in efficiency analysis could be classified as either intermediate health service outputs (e.g., number of health facility visits), single health outcomes (e.g., infant mortality rate) or composite indices of either intermediate outputs of health outcomes (e.g., Health Adjusted Life Expectancy). Factors that were found to affect health system efficiency include demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population, macro-economic characteristics of the national and sub-national regions, population health and wellbeing, the governance and political characteristics of these regions, and health system characteristics. CONCLUSION This review highlights the limited evidence on health system efficiency, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It also reveals the dearth of efficiency studies that use mixed methods approaches by incorporating qualitative inquiry. The review offers insights on the drivers of the efficiency of national and sub-national health systems, and highlights potential targets for reforms to improve health system efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahab Mbau
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anita Musiega
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lizah Nyawira
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benjamin Tsofa
- Health Systems and Research Ethics Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Andrew Mulwa
- County Department of Health, Makueni County Government, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sassy Molyneux
- Health Systems and Research Ethics Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Isabel Maina
- Health Financing Department, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Julie Jemutai
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Normand
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Kara Hanson
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Edwine Barasa
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Nyawira L, Tsofa B, Musiega A, Munywoki J, Njuguna RG, Hanson K, Mulwa A, Molyneux S, Maina I, Normand C, Jemutai J, Barasa E. Management of human resources for health: implications for health systems efficiency in Kenya. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1046. [PMID: 35974324 PMCID: PMC9382760 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08432-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human resources for health consume a substantial share of healthcare resources and determine the efficiency and overall performance of health systems. Under Kenya’s devolved governance, human resources for health are managed by county governments. The aim of this study was to examine how the management of human resources for health influences the efficiency of county health systems in Kenya. Methods We conducted a case study using a mixed methods approach in two purposively selected counties in Kenya. We collected data through in-depth interviews (n = 46) with national and county level HRH stakeholders, and document and secondary data reviews. We analyzed qualitative data using a thematic approach, and quantitative data using descriptive analysis. Results Human resources for health in the selected counties was inadequately financed and there were an insufficient number of health workers, which compromised the input mix of the health system. The scarcity of medical specialists led to inappropriate task shifting where nonspecialized staff took on the roles of specialists with potential undesired impacts on quality of care and health outcomes. The maldistribution of staff in favor of higher-level facilities led to unnecessary referrals to higher level (referral) hospitals and compromised quality of primary healthcare. Delayed salaries, non-harmonized contractual terms and incentives reduced the motivation of health workers. All of these effects are likely to have negative effects on health system efficiency. Conclusions Human resources for health management in counties in Kenya could be reformed with likely positive implications for county health system efficiency by increasing the level of funding, resolving funding flow challenges to address the delay of salaries, addressing skill mix challenges, prioritizing the allocation of health workers to lower-level facilities, harmonizing the contractual terms and incentives of health workers, and strengthening monitoring and supervision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizah Nyawira
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benjamin Tsofa
- Health Systems and Research Ethics Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Anita Musiega
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Munywoki
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rebecca G Njuguna
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kara Hanson
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew Mulwa
- Directorate of Medical Services, preventive and promotive health, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sassy Molyneux
- Health Systems and Research Ethics Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Isabel Maina
- Health Financing Department, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Normand
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College, the University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julie Jemutai
- Health Systems and Research Ethics Department, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Edwine Barasa
- Health Economics Research Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Institute of Healthcare Management, Strathmore Business School, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya.
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