Optimizing Project Resource Management in Health Care Facilities in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study aims to assess project resource management in healthcare facilities and its associated factors in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. The study tried to propose effective strategies for optimizing resource allocation and utilization. Explanatory & descriptive study design was employed to assess the current state of project resource management and its associated factors. Our research adopts a mixed (quantitative & qualitative) approach to evaluate the existing project resource management practices of healthcare facilities and the factors associated with them. A mixed method study was conducted in six districts of Jimma Zone, targeting managers, administrators, and project health facility staffs involved in healthcare projects. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with healthcare providers, project board members and community representatives using structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered and analyzed using EpiData version 4.3 and SPSS software version 25. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data, and binary and multiple logistic regressions was employed to identify factors associated with health facility project resource management. Variables with a p value less than 0.25 in bivariate analysis were included in the multivariable backward logistic regression procedure to control confounding variables and determine the final determinants of health facility project resource management. For qualitative purposive sampling technique was used to recruit participants of key informant interviews. Finally, thematic analysis approaches was used and the data was manually coded, categorized and thematized. The study showed that 81.3% of health facilities plan ahead for projects, 74.4% allocate budgets by priority, 70.9% face human resource issues, and 75.3% report inadequate infrastructure. Key challenges include financial constraints and inaccurate cost estimation. Significant variables for efficient management include favorable attitudes (AOR=1.96), stakeholder engagement (AOR=2.37), and smooth procurement practices (AOR=2.21). Effective strategies are monitoring (70.9%), stakeholder engagement, and smooth procurement. The qualitative finding also supported this. Efficient management is linked to favorable attitudes, stakeholder engagement, and smooth procurement. These findings underscore the importance of strategic foresight, resource prioritization, and effective stakeholder involvement in healthcare project management.