Task shifting & quality of healthcare in Uganda

The study assesed task shifting and quality of healthcare in Uganda. A post positivist philosophical paradigm was adopted with a comparative approach for Bukomansimbi and Kalangala districts. Findings revealed that, quality of healthcare was better in a high task shifting environment (Bukomansimbi) as compared to a low task shifting environment (Kalangala). The study further revealed that lack of policy to support task shifting implementation and indemnity for health workers, affected their morale and quality delivered. It was concluded that while numbers are critical, quality delivered can still be achieved with fewer human resources as long as they are conditioned to supervision, in-service training and mentorship with appropriate remuneration. The study recommended the fast tracking of a task shifting policy and based on Bandura's social learning and social cognitive theories, a task shifting model was developed. It is hoped that the model will facilitate the development of a policy framework for task shifting implementation and improving quality of health care delivered.