Factors influencing cataract surgical services at Oshakati intermediate hospital in the Northern vision 2020 district of Namibia
Document type: mthesis
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Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Cataract is the main cause of visual impairments in the Northern Vision 2020 District of Namibia, with 0.95% of the 1.1 million inhabitants (10 450 people) estimated to suffer from severe cataract visual impairments and in need of surgical interventions. Presently, only Oshakati Hospital provides permanent cataract services in the entire District. AIM: To explore the productivity and describe factors influencing the overall performance of cataract surgical services at Oshakati Hospital. METHOD: An exploratory descriptive study was conducted at the Hospital to fulfill the aims of the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from a purposely selected sample of 8 key informants and respondents using open ended questionnaires, direct observations and self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: The overall cataract surgical outputs stand at 531 surgeries in 2007, (67%) below the average projected target of 1500 surgeries by 2008 as recommended by the country VISION 2020 strategy. The main influencing factors were identified as follow: 1) limited surgical capacity to provide high volume, high quality cataract surgical services, 2) limited managerial and leadership capacity for the management of available resources and the coordination of interventions, 3) lack of internal policies for efficiency and optimal utilization of available ophthalmic resources. CONCLUSIONS: The Hospital authority should revise and reorganise its operational systems and procedures in the efforts to improve the capacity and efficiency of cataract surgical services; appoint a focal unit supervisor and assign appropriate decision-making roles and responsibilities to manage and coordinate ophthalmic interventions; put in place mechanisms for advocacy to lobby for concerted efforts against cataract blindness in the District involving all partners and stakeholders.
Authors:
Anyolo, F.
Country:
Namibia
Category:
Research
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords:
health
,
health services
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE:
x, 73
Year:
2008
Region:
Southern Africa
Right:
© 2008 Anyolo
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
Factors influencing cataract surgical services at Oshakati intermediate hospital in the Northern vision 2020 district of Namibia
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)