Title : Quality healthcare in developing countries -Utopia or reality?
Abstract:
This Presentation will provide a critical review of quality healthcare practice in Trinidad & Tobago, from which some generalizations may be made for the wider Caribbean region, wherever appropriate. Using an ‘autoethnographic methodology’, I would chronicle my journey in pursuit of Viable Quality Health Care as a Nurse Manager in a ‘third world’ health care institution; while I describe and systematically analyze my findings at the beginning of the journey; recount the challenges encountered; as well as identify the achievements and successes attained, plus projections. Within the presentation I would highlight key elements of Health Care in the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The sub-geographical focus of the study is the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA), the largest single public healthcare system or authority in the southern Caribbean – based in Trinidad; with approximately 1500 nursing and allied nursing staff, 750 beds; and over 50 facilities nationwide. The size and scope of this institution ensures that any appropriate research executed there would have implications for the wider national and regional healthcare sectors. Empirical literature points out that ‘external and internal environmental’ factors do affect the healthcare product generated by any institution. These are generally captured by the PESTEL Factors Framework (Political, Economic, Socio-cultural, Technological, Environmental, and Legal or Regulatory). Owing to the structural make-up of the countries of the Caribbean, this study specifically sheds light on the impact of socio-cultural and political factors on effective healthcare practice in developing countries such as those of the Caribbean.
Additionally, the study will identify and evaluate several leadership-initiatives which were implemented, including the acclaimed practice of Case Reviews; the Electronic Fetal Monitoring training for midwives at the Obstetric Unit; the Nurse Hourly Rounds; and the rejuvenated Team Nursing. In a bid to produce and develop quality leaders, especially in the healthcare sector, the highly successful “Embracing Leadership Symposium” program was launched in 2012, and continued in 2013, 2014 and 2015.Therefore, one of the questions being addressed in this auto-ethnographic study is “to what extent does innovative-leadership practices, processes and projects impact on a viable quality healthcare service in Trinidad & Tobago and thus the wider Caribbean”.
Audience Take Away:
• A sample of innovative leadership practices, processes and projects that may impact positively on quality healthcare
• An environmental impact framework for corporate or institutional evaluation
• A critical review of viable healthcare practice in Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean
• An understanding of the power and use of auto-ethnographic studies in Healthcare research
• In Strategic Planning for your institution
• In Turnaround strategies for healthcare institutions
• To develop an appreciation for and a knowledge of auto-ethnographic research methodologies
• It should help Nursing and Healthcare professionals to become more observant of their professional environment, including their product/service, processes, physical evidence, etc.
• It should facilitate Strategic Planning for small and medium sized healthcare institutions.
• Researchers may choose to adopt this methodology exemplified in this Presentation, thereby providing a rich vein of experiential learning opportunities for many who read their research outputs.
• Healthcare researchers may also combine auto-ethnographic research as part of a blended research methodology design.
