Strategies to Improve the Performance of Health Work Assistants at District General Hospital Kalutara

Background: A high level of performance of the employees is mandatory to improve the quality of healthcare service rendered to the patients. Performance is a function of the interaction between an individual’s motivation, ability, and environment. It was highlighted that the Health Work Assistants (HWA) working at District General Hospital (DGH) Kalutara are poorly motivated leading to underperformance.Objective: To identify strategies to improve the performance of HWAs working at DGH Kalutara.Methods: Issues related to underperformance were identified using a problem tree analysis. The underlying causes were tabulated against a set of criteria. Prioritization was done based on; the technical feasibility of the alternative interventions, and the impact of the issue on the institution and the patients. Poor employee motivation was selected for further analysis based on the prioritized value.Results: Absenteeism, unavailability of streamlined induction training and regular in-service training, poor attitudes, poor employee motivation and family and social issues were identified as the main issues related to the poor performance of HWAs working at DGH Kalutara. “Intrinsic factors” and supervisor-related factors were selected to plan interventions based on the prioritized value.Conclusion: Providing opportunities for achievements, advancements, and personal growth, through recognition for HWAs’ hard work, dedication, and achievements. Improving their sense of responsibility by improving their relationship with supervisors and improving the quality of supervision.