Assessment of Strategic Management Practice of Malaria Control in the Dangme West District, Ghana
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Date
2007-09
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University of Ghana
Abstract
Objective: To assess the strategic management practice for malaria control in the Dangme
West district.
Methods: Strategic management (SM) practice was assessed in all HCFs both in the
public and private and some chemical shops within the Dangme West district using semi-
structured questionnaires and question guides. In-depth interviews were carried out with
healthcare providers in their clinical setting. The status of key malaria control indicators
was assessed by interviewing 385 healthcare consumers and 100 pregnant women who
were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling from 21 communities. The study utilized
both qualitative and quantitative methods in describing the SM practice and assessing
status of key malaria control indicators. In addition to the above data was also collected
through desk top reviews of HCFs‟ records, district‟s health annual reports, published and
unpublished literature, textbooks, etc.
Results: Healthcare managers were using all the elements of SM in the management of
malaria but these were not holistically coordinated. Present were short ranged informal
planning based on the objectives of NMCP and day-to-day operation of the HCFs
especially with Ghana Health Service facilities. Due to homogenous nature of Dangme
West district, management of culture wasn‟t given much attention by healthcare managers
though healthcare providers were acutely aware of its importance to quality service
delivery. Competition was woefully absent in the healthcare environment. No formal
structure has been created for the management of malaria control activities with the
exception of the involvement of Community Based agents.
The district was widely
implementing all the strategies of the NMCP with favourable outcomes.
vConclusions: The practice of strategic management though present in the district, it was
fragmented. Hence, while there was significant improvement in the status of key malaria
control indicators, this could have been further enhanced if the practice of strategic
management has been carried out in a more holistic way. Thus, the assumption; the degree
to which malaria control is systematically managed using the process of SM will enhance
the status of key malaria control programme indicators is true.
HCFs should be able to define their needs based on the realistic needs of the communities
and develop plans, which would creatively lead to competitive advantage.
There should
be adequate involvement of chemical sellers in training programmes for healthcare
providers with keen supervision and monitoring of their activities within the district. BCC
should target groups to make it more acceptable using local approaches.
Strategic
Management should be developed as a taught course for In-Service Training within the
service for all staff in leadership and management positions.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)-University of Ghana
Keywords
Assessment, Strategic management, Practice, Malaria control, Dangme West