STAFF MIX AND PATIENT OUTCOME IN STATE AND FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITALS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

This descriptive survey study that was comparative in nature examined the staff mix and patient outcome in the state and federal teaching hospitals in Enugu State. The objective of the study were to determine the staff mix of health care providers in surgical units of ESUT and UNTH, compare the staff mix of the health providers, ascertain the outcome of care in surgical units of ESUT and UNTH, and compare the outcome of care in surgical units of both hospital. The study population consisted of 1805 [doctors and nurses] working in surgical unit of ESUT Park-lane Enugu and UNTH Ituku/Ozalla. Data collection proforma and questionnaire were used to collect staff demographic characteristics and patient outcome in both health institutions. Data from surgical units were compared. The findings revealed that UNTH has more number of staff [90 doctors & 95 nurses].Highest professional qualification for UNTH doctors were PhD 3[5.1%]&FWCS 31[28.4%],.The least was MBBS 45[76%] and few had other special qualifications 3[5.4%]. The following number of Nurses had Msc 5[5.2%] & Bsc 15[15%] as highest qualification and 70[70%] had RN/RM as the least certificate. Only 3[3.0%] have additional qualification. ESUT has 56 doctors and 74 nurses. Professional qualifications are, doctors PhD 1[1.9%], FWCS 10[16.9%], MBBS 45[76.3%] .Nurses; BSc 4[5.2%], RN/RM 62[80.5%], RN 8[10.4%]. Staff/patient ratio for surgical patient population in UNTH was, nurses, 1:7 and doctors, 1:5. ESUT; nurses 1:4.5 ,doctors :1:6 and nurses 1;7.There is significant difference in nurses professional qualifications[p value equals to 0.0101, Doctors years of experience[p value=0.0004] ,nurses number of years in surgical unit [p value=0.0005] , cadre of nurses in surgical unit [p value =0.0004].There is significant difference in patient admitted for surgery in both hospitals [p value =0.0001]. No significant difference exists in outcome of care in surgical units of ESUT and UNTH [p value=0.7330], There is significant difference in length of hospital in both hospitals [P value=0.0175]. The finding suggests that more senior staff should be assigned to shift duty. Staff with specialty training should be deployed to surgical units. Those already in the unit should be allowed to receive training on medical surgical nursing, wound care nurse and intensive care nurse and maternal and child health. Suggestions for further study was also made.