A service standardization model for Nigeria’s healthcare system: Toward improved patient care
1 Imo State Internal Revenue Service, Nigeria.
2 Zenith General Insurance Company Limited, Nigeria.
3 The Velvet Expression, Lagos, Nigeria.
4 Independent Researcher, Lagos, Nigeria.
5 Zenith Bank Nigeria.
Review
International Journal of Frontline Research in Multidisciplinary Studies, 2022, 01(02), 040–053.
Article DOI: 10.56355/ijfrms.2022.1.2.0054
Publication history:
Received on 09 July 2022; revised on 26 September 2022; accepted on 29 September 2022
Abstract:
The Nigerian healthcare system faces significant challenges in delivering consistent and high-quality patient care due to variability in service standards across facilities. This paper proposes a Service Standardization Model aimed at addressing these disparities and improving overall patient care. The model emphasizes the need for uniform protocols, guidelines, and performance metrics to ensure consistency and reliability in healthcare services. Key components of the model include the establishment of standardized care protocols, implementation of quality assurance mechanisms, and regular monitoring and evaluation of healthcare practices. By introducing standardized care protocols, healthcare providers can ensure that all patients receive evidence-based treatments, irrespective of the facility they visit. This approach promotes uniformity in clinical procedures, reduces variability in patient outcomes, and enhances the overall quality of care. Quality assurance mechanisms, such as accreditation programs and regular audits, are crucial for maintaining high standards and identifying areas for improvement. These mechanisms help in addressing deficiencies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within healthcare facilities. The model also advocates for the development of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system to assess the effectiveness of standardization efforts. This includes tracking patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and compliance with established protocols. Data-driven insights derived from these evaluations can guide policy adjustments and inform future standardization initiatives. Implementing this Service Standardization Model has the potential to significantly improve patient care in Nigeria by ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare services. It addresses the disparities caused by varying standards across different healthcare providers and aims to create a more reliable and efficient healthcare system. The model’s focus on uniform protocols, quality assurance, and continuous evaluation positions it as a critical step toward achieving sustainable improvements in patient care in Nigeria’s diverse healthcare landscape.
Keywords:
Healthcare system; Service standardization; Patient care; Quality assurance; Nigeria; Healthcare protocols; Monitoring and evaluation
Full text article in PDF:
Copyright information:
Copyright © 2022 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0