Participatory planning and delivery of health care services in public hospitals in Uganda: a case of Mulago hospital

Abstract

The study sought to investigate the relationship between participatory planning and service delivery in public hospitals in Uganda a case of Mulago. The study specifically examined the relationship between participatory planning and the scope (coverage) of services delivered to clients at Mulago Hospital: and assessed the relationship between participatory planning and timely accessibility of services; as well as established the relationship between participatory planning and quality of service delivered. The study adopted a descriptive and case study design to allow for in-depth data collection and analysis, contextual understanding and description of the research problem. Correlation techniques were also used to measure the relationship between participatory planning and service delivery management in Mulago Hospital. Data was collected using interviews and questionnaires to randomly selected Mulago Hospital staff. Collected data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques of analysis. Results revealed a positive and significant relationship between participatory planning and service delivery in Mulago Hospital. Findings of the study revealed a significant relationship between participatory planning and health service delivery in general at Mulago Hospital. Management therefore needs to appreciate joint planning involving key stakeholders, sufficient communication systems and inculcation of the spirit of team work across the entire hospital for improved service delivery.