Implementation of a task-shifting and task sharing intervention: A case of ward assistants in Kenyan neonatal units.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nurses working in intermediate care neonatal units in Kenya often experience workload that is six times greater than global recommendations, and this presents quality and safety concerns. Fiscal constraints often limit nurse recruitment. Therefore, addressing workforce shortages to improve quality of care requires careful consideration of skill-mix. We evaluated the feasibility of a task-shifting and task sharing intervention that involved (re)distribution of non-clinical roles from nurses to ward (care) assistants in Kenyan neonatal units.

Methods

We conducted a mixed methods convergent study. We enhanced staffing by adding three trained ward assistants to each of four Kenyan neonatal units. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected on a cumulative set of 59

SUBMITTER: Kagonya VA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12503052 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature