CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF TERTIARY HEALTHCARE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL (U.C.H.), IBADAN.

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system faces persistent challenges, particularly regarding facility adequacy and optimal work environments. Despite existing studies, there is a notable gap in detailed operational assessments and evaluations of work-related factors affecting healthcare providers in Nigerian tertiary institutions. This study addresses these gaps by examining the challenges and prospects of tertiary healthcare delivery at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Guided by an organisational and operational effectiveness framework, the study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design. A total of 120 health workers were randomly selected as participants. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and supplemented by literature reviews from textbooks, academic journals, and reputable internet sources. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, an independent-samples T-test, simple percentages, Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation, one-way ANOVA, a Least Significant Difference (LSD) test, and multiple regression analysis.

 Participants’ age was 37.5 ± 7.47 years; 51.7% were male, while 35.8% were nurses and years of experience varied widely. The findings revealed that inadequate healthcare facilities remain a critical challenge, although patient care has improved. Job type, gender, and experience did not have significant effects on healthcare delivery outcomes, except for increased work pressure among nursing staff and the influence of supervision style on job experience. Remuneration and opportunities for involvement in decision-making emerged as the strongest predictors of positive work environment perceptions.

The study recommends increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, improved remuneration and benefits, greater staff participation in decision-making, and targeted support to alleviate work pressure among nursing staff as essential strategies for enhancing tertiary healthcare delivery and staff satisfaction.

Keywords: Healthcare delivery, Healthcare providers, Operational assessment, Tertiary healthcare, Work environment