Assessing the performance of nurses in the management of malaria patients in Tanzania

Abstract

Background: In Tanzania, nurses play an important role in the management of patients with malaria. The study was conducted to identify the current status of the performance of nurses in the management of malaria patients, in order to provide the baseline data before the training intervention.Methods: The study was conducted at 19 government health facilities in four districts of Tanzania. In order to assess the performance of nurses, 60 procedures involved in the management of malaria patients were observed and evaluated. Additionally, exit interviews were conducted with 60 malaria patients or caretakers upon leaving the health facilities.Results: Of the 60 procedures observed, only 4 satisfied the standard established in the national guideline for treatment and diagnosis of malaria. The proportions of the interviewed patients who were able to correctly provide information were: 83.7-88% on home treatment topics; 6.1-33.3% on follow-up after treatment; and 48.3% on preventive measures on malaria.Conclusion: The nurses do not satisfy the required standard in the management of malaria patients. The weak areas identified by the study are the quinine IV administration and health education provided to patients. Conducting a training programme for nurses and the provision of working aids, such as a dosage table and a wall chart, are recommended. Furthermore, in order to alleviate incorrect dosage in intravenous quinine administration associated with dosage calculation, the possibility of adopting treatment drugs that can be administered by other dosage routes could be explored. © The Author [2010]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.