Enhancing Private Healthcare Effectiveness in Lagos State, Nigeria: An Overview of the Effect of Quality Improvement Initiatives and Implications for Sustainable Healthcare Delivery

The study titled “Enhancing Private Healthcare Effectiveness in Lagos State, Nigeria: An Overview of the Effect of Quality Improvement Initiatives and Implications for Sustainable Healthcare Delivery” examines the impact of donor-funded quality improvement (QI) projects on private healthcare facilities in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Background: Lagos State, as Nigeria’s economic hub and most populous region, faces significant challenges in providing quality healthcare services. This study focuses on private healthcare providers participating in the SP4FP Quality Improvement Project, aiming to assess their involvement, perceived support, and the tangible effects of QI initiatives on healthcare delivery.

Methods: Employing a qualitative research design, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled private healthcare providers involved in the SP4FP QI Project. The interviews explored levels of participation, perceptions of support, observed changes in healthcare delivery, challenges encountered, and recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of such initiatives. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify recurring themes from the interview transcripts.

Results: Participants reported active engagement in the QI project, noting improvements in staff management and patient care processes. While there was an acknowledgment of positive influences on facility ratings, challenges such as financial constraints were highlighted, affecting patient inflow and overall service delivery. These findings align with existing literature emphasizing the difficulties private healthcare providers face in implementing QI projects.

Conclusions: The study underscores the positive impact of donor-funded QI initiatives on private healthcare facilities in Lagos State, while also highlighting the complex challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. The insights gained are intended to guide policymakers, healthcare managers, and practitioners toward collaborative and sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery, prioritizing the well-being of the population.

Citation: Mba-Oduwusi, N. , Eze, I. , Osuji, T. , Obubu, M. , Oyekanmi, T. , Kolade, O. , Oguguah, O. , Martins, J. , Chuku, N. , Ananaba, A. , Diallo, R. , Sadiq, F. , Zamba, E. and Idowu, A. (2024) Enhancing Private Healthcare Effectiveness in Lagos State, Nigeria: An Overview of the Effect of Quality Improvement Initiatives and Implications for Sustainable Healthcare Delivery. Health16, 93-104. doi: 10.4236/health.2024.162009.