Evaluation of the Impact of Human Resource Management Practices on Quality Healthcare in Nigeria

The public outcry for quality healthcare (QHC) in Nigeria has been on the increase, and the deteriorated state of healthcare in the country is of great concern. However, there are limited studies on human resource management practices (HRMPs) and their influence on quality healthcare in Nigeria. This study addressed these gaps by examining the empirical link between HRMPs such as recruitment, reward system, teamwork, training and development, and quality healthcare.
The study was underpinned by Herzberg’s two-factor theory of motivation and the Donabedian quality of care model rooted in a positivist philosophical assumption. The population comprised health professionals at government tertiary health institution Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, dieticians, and physiotherapists. A quantitative research design was adopted using an online survey. Thirty-nine items on a five-point Likert scale were used, and three hundred and fifty-seven (357) valid responses were analysed.
Participants included 235 females (66%) and 122 males (34%). Age distribution was 21- 30 years (34.45%), 31-40 years (33.61%), 41-50 years (17.36%), and 51-60 years (13.44%). From the data analysis and evaluation of the findings, the study revealed a strong and significant link between HRMPs and QHC, with teamwork as the greatest predictor. Non-monetary rewards gained significant recognition; thus, there is a need to equilibrate non-financial and financial reward. Policy makers and hospital management can adopt these HRMPs to enhance QHC strategically in Nigeria.