An activity sampling study of primary care staff of two Harare polyclinics.

ABSTRACT

PIP As part of an exercise in which clinical operations were examined, an activity sampling study was carried out at the primary care units of 2 polyclinics in Harare, Zimbabwe. 1 clinic served a population of 59,791 in a newly developed area, receiving 187,240 primary care visits, 90,830 of which were initial visits. The other clinic, situated in a more established area, served a population of 23,546, experiencing 47,705 initial primary care visits out of a totsl of 148,912 visits in 1983. The work measurement technic involved making instantaneous observations of staff member activities. 7 consecutive days were spent by the research team at each of the clinics, observing the activities of state registered nurses (SRNs), medical assistants (MAs), clinic orderlies (upgraded literate domestic workers given in-service training), and maids. 50 observation times were randomly selected daily between 730 a.m. and 400 p.m. from Monday to Friday; and 33 random times between 730 a.m. and 100 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The study found that at the clinic where MAs were engaged more in consulting patients, the SRNs and sister-in-charge had more time to supervise and administer staff, and screen patients (they spent 12.4% of their time in administration, as opposed to the other clinic, where they spent 2.3%). It is suggested that increasing the delegation of duties to the MAs can improve clinic operations.^ieng