Influence of Risk Taking on Performance of Healthcare Units in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to explore how risk-taking influences the performance of healthcare units in Kenya. The study specifically sought to determine how the six indicators of risk taking namely:taking bold actions necessary to achieve the healthcare units' objectives, undergoing threats from patients other employees, undergoing injuries while lifting lowering equipment or patients, contracting infectious diseases from patients, getting injuries caused by needle stick while injecting patients and getting blood and body fluid spills from patients influence the performance of healthcare units in Nairobi County, Kenya. To compete effectively, healthcare units must constantly improve their performance by reducing maternal mortality, reducing child mortality and increasing the number of referrals to the healthcare unit. The study adopted a survey research design with the target population being healthcare units in Nairobi, County. The healthcare units comprised of County Hospitals, Health Centres and Health Clinics totalling to 71 and the sample size was 49. Data was collected using questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 23 software. Inferential data analysis was carried out by the use of factor and correlation analysis. Regression models were fitted and hypothesis testing carried out using multiple regression analysis and standard F and t tests. The findings of this study from multiple regression analysis indicated that risk taking positively influences performance of healthcare units in Nairobi, County. The study results lead to the conclusion that risk taking improves the performance of Healthcare units in Nairobi, County. The study recommends that healthcare units should equip their healthcare units with personal protective equipment to avoid exposing their employees to body injuries and infections while at work since their practice is necessary to ensure improved performance.