On an average: the rural hospital in sub-Saharan Africa
Hamel, J.L.; Janssen, P.W.
Tropical Doctor 18(3): 139-142
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0049-4755 PMID: 3406994 DOI: 10.1177/004947558801800317Document Number: 355074
Annual reports of 40 hospitals in 5 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia) from the period 1979 to 1984 were studied to evaluate the general impression that rural hospitals in this area have a heavy workload. The methods of data presentation by hospitals were also analyzed. Data were combined to describe an average hospital. The average hospital has a staff of 86, with 35 trained in nursing and 4 with a medical education, to serve a population of 110,000. There are 203 outpatient visits and 17 admissions per day. 5 major operations are performed per week, 40% for emergencies. The average hospital has 138 beds, an 86% occupancy rate, and an average stay of 8.7 days. The recommendation is made that hospitals report data per 100,000 people in their catchment area to allow easier comparison of data from different hospitals. Hospital reports should provide information concerning how data are collected and specific descriptions of how different parameters are defined (i.e. does nursing staff include nursing aids or nursing assistants). Specific information regarding what constitutes an admission, a nursing day, or a major operation is needed to accurately interpret data. The figures presented in this study are recommended as reference figures to which hospitals can compare their own data.