Title:
What Are the Implications and Consequences of the Decentralization Process on Health Workers Performance: Lessons Kenya Can Learn from the Experience of Others
Authors:
Kimonye, Kanana
Year:
2015
PAGE:
v, 49
Language:
En
Keywords:
Kenya, Decentralization, Health Care Worker, Implications, Performance
Abstract:
Background: Kenya is in the early years of implementing decentralization by devolution reforms in the health sector. Objective: To identify and analyse the implications and consequences of decentralization reforms on health care workers and managers performance and to provide feasible recommendations to local authorities for enhancing health care workers availability, responsiveness and competence. Methodology: The study is a descriptive literature review. It examines the implications of the decentralization process on health workers roles, responsibilities and new accountability structures. It further explores the consequences that the decentralization process may bear on Human resources for Health management determinants. Findings: Healthcare workers become a central player in the process of decentralization as they navigate the new accountability matrix that the process demands. Interactions with non-professionals may undermine performance but at the same time, having technical supervisors close at hand may contribute to the improvement of their work. The health worker acquires new skills, such as learning how to effectively communicate technical matters with community members, who are involved in decision making. Decentralized systems that give local authorities and healthcare managers autonomy, allow for human resources for health challenges to be met more effectively. Decentralization may not necessarily improve or worsen human resources for health management issues but rather amplifies them. Conclusion: To ensure availability, competence and responsiveness, accountability structures must be clear and investments must be made to improve the health workers condition.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Department:
Health Unit
Country:
Kenya
Region:
Eastern Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (MPH/ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2015 Kimonye
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
myz5XtUqu8_20161025154237811.pdf