AN Assessment of the Availability and Use of Standing Orders in Primary Healthcare Cen-tres in Jos Metropolis

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Standing orders are intended (meant) to support healthcare workers in Primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria to provide quality services to their clients. The purpose of the study was to determine their availability and use by these healthcare workers.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from primary healthcare facilities in Jos metropolis. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and observation checklist. Data was analysed using WINPEPI Statistical software. Chi-square test was used to test for the relationship between availability/use of standing orders and related factors. A P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Fifty-eight healthcare facilities were studied. Most (39.7%) of the respondents were CHEWS and the majority (67.2%) had been in service for at least twenty years. A copy of the standing orders was available in 20.7% of the health facilities studied and 12.1% of respondents consistently used it. There was no relationship between standing order usage and the age, sex, cadre, years of experience or number of daily consultations.  The reason given by most (87.9%) respondents for non-adherence to standing order guidelines was lack of ownership.

Conclusion: Copies of standing orders are available in very few health facilities in Jos and most healthcare workers do not follow the guidelines of the standing orders. Measures should be put in place to address these to protect patients from avoidable harm.