ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL RESOURCES ON SERVICE DELIVERY AT MARSABIT COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KENYA
Abstract
Service delivery continues to be a challenge facing county referral hospitals that operate within the devolved health care system of Kenya, especially in resource-scarce and vast counties. The management of physical resources is crucial in ensuring that there is efficiency in terms of accessibility, service delivery, efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction. This research sought to find out the effect of physical resources on service delivery at Marsabit County Referral Hospital in Kenya. The study looked at the effect of infrastructure availability, maintenance of physical resources, accessibility of health care facilities, and availability of medical equipment on service delivery. The study was based on the theories of the Resource Based View (RBV) and the SERVQUAL models. The research adopted a descriptive research methodology using a quantitative approach. Primary data was gathered through the use of structured questionnaires distributed to employees of Marsabit County Referral Hospital belonging to management, clinical, administration and support departments. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and regression analysis using SPSS version 26. It was found that physical resources positively and significantly impacted healthcare service delivery. The majority of respondents agreed that sufficient infrastructure, appropriate maintenance of hospital infrastructure, availability of health care infrastructure and proper medical equipment impacted timely and effective healthcare service delivery. The correlation test showed a high positive correlation between physical resources and service delivery, while the regression test proved physical resources as an important predictor of service delivery. From the study, it is clear that proper management of physical resources is an important factor in ensuring that the delivery of health care services is improved at Marsabit County Referral Hospital. Recommendations for the County Government of Marsabit and the management of the hospital include investing in health care infrastructure, enhancing maintenance of the physical facilities and medical equipment, ensuring that health care services are accessible, and providing sufficient medical equipment continuously.
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