An Evaluation of the Perceived Impact of In-Patient Catering Outsourcing on Patient Care in Kunene Regional Health Directorate , Namibia

• Published in: Kuwait chapter of Arabian journal of business & management review 2014-10, Vol.4 (2), p.23-88
• Main Authors: Karodia , Anis Mahomed, Mahimbi , Pius, Cassim , Nadeem
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Advantages; CATERING; Collaboration; Consumers; Food safety; Health facilities; HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT; Hospitals; Meals; MEDICAL CARE; NAMIBIA; Outsourcing; PATIENTS; Perceptions; Performance management; Planning; Risk; Safety standards; Social services; Studies; إدارة المستشفيات; التموين; الرعاية الطبية; المرضى; ناميبيا
• ISSN: 2224-8358; 2224-8358
• DOI: 10.12816/0018937

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the perceived impact of outsourced in-patient catering services in Kunene Regional Health Directorate on patient care, and to identify specific risks and benefits of in-patient catering outsourcing. The research further examines the outsourcing provider's level of compliance with food safety regulations and environmental laws, and enables recommendations to be made on how to improve the delivery of outsourced in-patient catering services in Kunene Regional Health Directorate. In this cross-sectional descriptive survey, a quantitative research method was mainly utilized. Self-administered structured questionnaires were filled by 229 staff members in all three district hospitals of Kunene Regional Health Directorate, Namibia. Majority of the respondents had the opinion that in-patient outsourcing provider complied with food safety regulations and environmental laws; although some improvements still need to be implemented. This research exposes, for the first time, the scope of in-patient catering outsourcing in district hospitals in Kunene Regional Health Directorate in Namibia, and presents end-user perceptions in promoting quality in-patient meals and enhanced patient care.