Effects of Nurse Emigration on the Quality of Health Care Services: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Ghana
Habib Mahama
Ghana Health Service, Kassena Nankana Municipal Health Directorate, P. O Box 8, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana.
Karima Mohammed
Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Gushegu, P. O. Box GU 13, Gushegu, Northern Region, Ghana.
Nixsion Ayedanty Niadawe
Community Health Nurses Training College, Navrongo, P. O. Box 185, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana.
Francis Kwabena Larle
Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Sampa, Post office Box 60, Bono Region, Ghana.
Kasim Adams
Nursing and Midwifery Training College, P.O. Box TH71, Techiman Bono East Region, Ghana.
Zuwera Issaka
Ministry of Health, Nurses’ and Midwives’ Training College, P.O. Box -565, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana.
Jelila Mumuni
Ministry of Health, Nurses’ and Midwives’ Training College, P.O. Box -565, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana.
Samuel Kwasi Apungu
Ghana Health Service, Kassena Nankana West Directorate, Paga, P. O Box 8, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana.
Manzuk Ebenezer
Community Health Nurses Training College, Navrongo, P. O. Box 185, Navrongo, Upper East Region, Ghana.
Faustina Erica Akpablie
Nurse’s Training College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
Dahamata Kombat Issahaku
College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, P.O. Box 10, Nalerigu, North-east Region, Ghana.
Rashida Sanda
Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Kpembe, Post Office Box SL 98, Savanah Region, Ghana.
Bawa Kande Khadija *
College of Health Sciences, Yendi, P. O Box 137, Northern Region, Ghana.
Amina Yapaga Ewuntomah
Ghana Health Service, Northern Regional Hospital, P. O. Box 2469, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana.
Mahmud Mohammed Yussif
Ghana Health Service, Northern Regional Hospital, P. O. Box 2469, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Brain drain among healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, has emerged as a critical issue impacting health delivery systems in developing regions. The migration of skilled individuals from underdeveloped and developing nations to developed or industrialized countries is not a recent phenomenon.
Aim: The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of brain drains among nurses on quality care delivery at Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 324 nurses at Tamale Teaching Hospital using a structured questionnaire adopted from a previous study. The study employed convenience sampling to select participants based on their accessibility and willingness. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 27.
Results: The study found that low wages (97.8%), limited career opportunities (94.1%), and a poorly funded healthcare system (99.4%) were significant factors contributing to nurse emigration. The brain drain was linked to severe shortages of nurses (94.8%), increased workload (98.1%), and reduced quality of care (93.8%). Notable declines in quality included patient care and attention (37%) and efficiency of service delivery (34%). The impact was also observed in increased patient morbidity (38.6%) and mortality (34%). Recommendations to mitigate these issues included improving remuneration (74.1%), providing better incentives (80.2%), and enhancing professional development opportunities (84.9%).
Conclusion: Addressing brain drain among nurses requires a multifaceted approach involving better pay, incentives, and professional support. The study highlights the urgent need for policy interventions to improve working conditions and retention strategies to enhance healthcare delivery at Tamale Teaching Hospital and similar institutions.
Keywords: Brain drain, nurse emigration, healthcare quality, Tamale Teaching Hospital, professional development, remuneration, healthcare system