The Performance of Trained Clinical Officers in Reproductive Health Service Delivery through Task Shifting In Kenya Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to determine the performance, challenges and the opprtunities in task shifting for the cadre. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study design. Purposive snowballing technique was employed. One hudred and fifty Clinical Officers were targed for study. A sample of 45 was captured for study calculated as 30% of the target population. Structured questionnaires were administered and triangulated by focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Cross tabulation and chi-square tests were used to compare performance in various reproductive health procedures. Analysis of Variance was employed to test for significance in differences on various responses. Data from focus group discussion was transcribed and analyzed by content analysis. Analysis of the Quantitative data collected was done using SPSS (Version 22). Data collected was analysed using tables, graphs and descriptive statistics Results:The study found out that motivation builds a better, more satisfied and better performing workforce as evidenced by response of further training There was significant statistical evidence of competence in performing task shifted obstetrical and gyneacological procedures at p-value 0.05, computed chi-square value of 7.134 against the critical value of 9.488. Analysis of Variance with a computed value of 95.7, p-value 0.05 and critical Value of 2.45 indicated that responses from respondence differed significantly while response for anew act of parliament for the practice of new skills was 100%. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommeded for the development of task shifting policy framework the, strengthening of health systems workforce through task shifting for the cadre and sensitization of workforce at health facilities on the concept of task shifting.