Acute kidney injury is a global health concern with significant implications for morbidity and mortality when it comes to children. High morbidity and mortality result from consequences such as metabolic acidosis, hyperkalaemia, fluid overload and cardiovascular issues. Good clinical outcomes among children with acute kidney injury can be achieved through early recognition and initiation of management to prevent disease progression. However, evidence on early recognition and management of acute kidney injury in children is lacking, especially in low-resource settings such as Tanzania. This study explores healthcare providers’ experiences with early recognition and management of acute kidney injury among children attending primary healthcare facilities.
This exploratory qualitative case study aims to capture contextual experiences using semi-structured interviews to gain thematic insights. The estimated sample size for this study is 20 informants and will be selected purposively. Data will be collected through individual interviews using an interview guide with predetermined questions followed by probing questions. Each interview session will last for about 30–60 min. Data analysis will begin during the data collection period using the six-phase thematic analysis approach by Braun and Clarke.
Ethical approval has been provided by the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences Senate of Research and Ethical Committees with reference number DA.282/298/01.C/2630. In accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (1964) and its later amendments, all respondents will provide verbal and written informed consent and will be free to participate voluntarily with no incentives. The findings will be shared with participating healthcare facilities, district and regional health authorities and relevant stakeholders through presentations and summary reports. Findings will also be presented at national and international scientific conferences and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
To explore the experiences of different stakeholders on the balance of package training and deployment of highly skilled Human Resources for Health for specialised services in Tanzania.
An exploratory qualitative case study was used as part of a larger tracer study conducted by Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) for its postgraduate programmes being a requirement for quality assurance. Semi-structured interview guides were used for in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Qualitative content analysis was adopted to analyse the data.
The trace study was carried out in all seven geopolitical zones of the Tanzania mainland and Unguja in Zanzibar.
We conducted 14 FGDs and 301 IDIs. Participants included alumni, immediate supervisors at employment sites, MUHAS faculty, continuing students at MUHAS and management of professional councils in Tanzania.
Key findings revealed variations in demands and recognition within the scheme of services, even after registration by professional councils. Five main themes emerged from the qualitative interviews: Package training to improve service provision, Unprofessional collegial relationships or issues related to professionalism within interdisciplinary teams, Silence of scheme services on super specialisation in the medical cadre, Silence of scheme services on specialisation in the nursing cadre, Integrated scheme of services for specialties in pharmacy.
The findings highlight the demand for specialised training, challenges with professionalism and inconsistencies in the recognition and remuneration of specialists across medical, nursing and pharmacy cadres within existing service schemes. There is a need for harmonisation between specialisation/super specialisation and the scheme of services. This harmonisation is crucial to ensure the provision of quality healthcare services. Furthermore, harmonisation requires multistakeholder engagement to realise universal health coverage strategies.