Task sharing for the management of non-communicable diseases in a humanitarian setting: An innovative approach in a low-middle income country (LMIC)

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines task shifting as the balanced reallocation of tasks from highly experienced professionals to those with more limited training, thus allowing the existing human resources to be used more efficiently. In Lebanon, there is no documented evidence yet of task sharing between physicians and nurses in the usual primary healthcare setting, let alone for Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) management.

Objective

This study aims to explore the experiences of healthcare providers and patients regarding task sharing.

Study design

This study employed a qualitative descriptive design, utilizing a cross-sectional approach.

Method

Qualitative data collection started in April–May 2022. Data collection was conducted with three focus groups: nurses (n = 9), patients (n = 11), and physicians (n = 5) from two clinics in two different rural areas, using purposeful sampling. A thematic analysis method, as described by Braun and Clarke, was used to guide the analysis.

Results

This study yielded four themes: An innovative approach to care, A prevailing culture of trust and collaboration, a Synergistic Outcome, and A Call for Improvement.

Conclusion

This study has identified an innovative approach to care, as demonstrated by the practices performed at the two clinics. Task shifting is a means of ensuring nurses' satisfaction. Therefore, it may positively impact retention at a time when we are witnessing an unprecedented migration of nurses from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to high-income countries (HICs). Interprofessional education needs to be reinforced at the undergraduate level to enhance collaboration among health care workers after graduation. At the policy level, considerable work is necessary to ensure that all stakeholders’ voices are represented at the decision-making table and heard.