Risk Management and Patients’ Vulnerability to Clinical Risks in Uganda: A Case of Kibuli Police Dental Clinic

Abstract

Health Professionals world over are expected to operate in a sterile environment but this practice is not observed by all health professionals Kibuli Dental Clinic is not exceptional. This study was therefore aimed at establishing the relationship between risk management and patients’ vulnerability to clinical risks in Kibuli Police Dental Clinic. The study objectives were: a) To examine the relationship between risk identification and patients’ vulnerability to clinical risks. b) To establish the relationship between risk analysis and patients’ vulnerability to clinical risks. c) To identify the relationship between risk response planning and patients’ vulnerability to clinical risk and d) To explore the relationship between risk monitoring and control and patients’ vulnerability to clinical risks in Kibuli Police Dental Clinic. The study employed across sectional descriptive survey design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study population comprised of key informants from Uganda Police Medical Services Nsambya, health workers and patients who were purposively and conveniently selected respectively. Quantitative data was collected using self-administered questionnaires following a 5-likert scale and qualitative data was collected using interview guide and documentary analysis. A total of 177 respondents participated in the study. Major findings were that risk identification, risk analysis, risk response planning and risk monitoring and control are strong determinants of patients’ vulnerability to clinical risks. The Uganda Police Medical Services needs to build a safety culture by carrying out an audit to assess the police team’s safety culture, highlight successes and achievements in improving safety, and being open and honest when things go wrong. Adequate budget, provisions for purchase of sufficient supplies and equipment in addition to establishing a physical modern infrastructure in order to manage clinical risks adequately. A modern, responsive practice that encourages feedback using patients’ surveys should also be designed and implemented.