The Influence of Staffs’ Knowledge on Preparedness of Catholic Mission Hospitals for Health Service Delivery during Emergency Inflow of Patients in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the influence of staffs’ knowledge on preparedness of catholic mission hospitals for health service delivery during emergency inflow of patients in Nairobi County, Kenya. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study design was used with quantitative approach for data collection and analysis. Four tier-3 Catholic Mission Hospitals were purposively selected and a stratified random sample of 647 members of staff from different cadres was taken. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using STATA software v.16, where descriptive statistics were presented using frequencies and percentages whereas inferential statistics were presented using correlation and regression analysis. Findings: The study found out that staff training and exercises for knowledge and skills influenced preparedness of Catholic Mission Hospitals for health service delivery during emergency influx of patients. A positive and significant relationship was found at (r=0.211; p<0.01). This means that the hospitals are perceived as prepared for health service delivery during emergency influx of patients. However, staff drills (staff exercises) at (r = -0.147; p<0.05) were found insignificantly influencing services delivery. This means that the hospitals would be unprepared even if staff drills were in place. Recommendations: The study recommends that the managers of catholic hospitals should have scheduled staff trainings and drills for efficient and timely response in times of need for emergency service deliver. Policy guidelines on skills acquisition for the staff in the health institutions need to be developed to guide the trainings and frequent drills to sharpen the theory and practice of the healthcare team.