Browsing by Author "Wasike, Mildred"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Investigating Factors Influencing the Implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation in Health Referral Systems: A Case of Kiambu Level Five Referral Hospital in Kenya
    (Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences, 2024-10) Wasike, Mildred
    Health referral systems are fundamental in ensuring patients receive appropriate care at the right level of healthcare facility. Effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of these systems are essential for maintaining high-quality healthcare delivery. However, inadequacies in current M&E practices hinder the optimal functioning of referral systems, potentially impacting patient outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing M&E of health referral systems at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital in Kenya. The research pursued four primary objectives: to investigate the extent of utilization of M&E in the health referral systems at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, to assess factors influencing the implementation of M&E referral systems at the hospital, to assess challenges affecting the implementation of M&E in health referral systems and to establish strategies adopted to enhance the implementation of monitoring and evaluation of health referral systems in the facility. Guided by the Diffusion of Innovation Theory and Theory of Change, this study employed a descriptive research design. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and checklists, targeting a stratified random sample of 213 hospital staff, partakers of the referral system. The study adhered to ethical guidelines throughout the research process. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, and measures of central tendency, Data was analyzed using SPS software. Results indicated a moderate level of M&E utilization, with strengths in staff awareness and technical processes like data collection and analysis. However, challenges such as limited resource allocation, inadequate training, infrastructure constraints, and heavy workloads impacted consistent M&E engagement. Conclusions highlighted that while foundational M&E practices were in place, operational gaps, including insufficient resources and low participation, hindered optimal effectiveness. Additionally, barriers like funding, limited communication, and inconsistent protocol adherence limited the M&E system's overall impact. Recommendations focused on enhancing staff engagement through regular training, improving resource allocation for infrastructure, and establishing accountability mechanisms to ensure M&E consistency. Staff involvement, coupled with improved data management tools and feedback loops, was emphasized as essential for fostering a robust M&E system. Further research was suggested to examine long-term effects of improved M&E on patient outcomes and to explore the potential of digital solutions in strengthening M&E practices, providing a comprehensive pathway for enhancing the effectiveness of M&E in health referral systems.