Community perceptions of health accountability meetings with local politicians to improve healthcare quality: a qualitative study in Western Uganda
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lack of accountability within healthcare systems contributes to suboptimal healthcare quality and ultimately poor health outcomes, especially in low-income countries. In Uganda, our research team implemented a pilot project of quarterly health accountability meetings between community members and their local political leaders to discuss healthcare needs and strategies for quality improvement. In this study, we examine the community members' understanding and perceptions of the health accountability meetings, as well as the perceived impact of the meetings on local healthcare services and community life. METHODS: We conducted a total of 12 focus group discussions (FGDs), half with men and half with women, in November 2022 across six randomly chosen communities out of the ten communities where health accountability meetings were held. We audio taped, transcribed, and translated all FGDs into English. We collected data on demographics, understanding of the meetings, and perceived changes within healthcare services and the community from 111 participants. Two researchers analyzed the data using an inductive thematic approach, generating five themes. RESULTS: We found the following themes: (1) increased inclusivity and promotion of bidirectional communication; (2) increased understanding of patient rights and practicing of collective empowerment by the community; (3) improved provider behavior; (4) enhanced relationships among politicians, community members, and healthcare providers; and (5) identified needs for future improvements. CONCLUSION: Through this qualitative study, we found that the community members perceived the accountability meetings as beneficial in improving the local healthcare services and community life. The study demonstrates the need to prioritize the voices of local communities in efforts to address the accountability gaps, as well as the potential for utilizing the relationship between community members and politicians to address accountability shortfalls in other governmental functions beyond healthcare. TRIAL REGISTRATION: N/A.
Source: BMC Public Health
Authors: HaEun Lee, Neyat Fiseha, Jordan Bateisibwa, Cheryl A. Moyer, Joshua Greenberg, Elisa Maffioli
Institution: University of Michigan
Language: English
Subfield: Finance
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W4405514983