HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON FAMILY CENTRED CARE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HOSPITALISED CHILDREN IN KENYA

Abstract

Abstract

Family-centred care (FCC) is identified as “best practice” in paediatrics. However, its implementation in paediatric settings in the developing world is low. This paper presents the healthcare provider’s perspectives on family centred care in the management of hospitalised children in Kenya. Data was obtained from 143 healthcare providers working at paediatric departments in two hospitals in Nairobi. Data were collected by use of questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Association between variables was determined through Chi Square and logistic regression at 95% significance level. Data reveal that about 63% of the healthcare providers have heard about FCC and 74.7% (n=68) of them practise it. The healthcare providers having heard of FCC is statistically significantly associated with their practice of FCC (X² = 6.379, P = 0.012). The odds of practising FCC by the healthcare providers are four times higher among those that have knowledge of FCC than those that do not.  FCC is practiced through allowing parents to participate in giving care (52.9%, n=36) and empowering them through education and counselling (32.9%, n=22). However, patient population and hospital policies impact the practice negatively. The study concluded that majority of the healthcare providers demonstrated a good understanding of the concept and are willing to apply it in their practice given the necessary support structures.

Key words: family-centred care, hospitalised children, healthcare providers,                  perspectives