The Introduction Of Competence And Performance Assessment Of Medical Practitioners In Namibia: Perceptions Of Stakeholders

ABSTRACT

Members of the public expect practicing medical practitioners to be competent. They

expect poorly performing medical practitioners to be identified and either helped or

removed from practice. Competence and performance assessment of individual

medical practitioner is crucial for life-long learning and quality of care. Policymakers

and the Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA) should have good insights

into the strengths and weaknesses of the methods available. The aim of this study was

to describe the perceptions of stakeholders, namely Medical and Dental Council of

Namibia (MDCNA) members as well as state and private medical practitioners,

regarding the introduction of competence and performance assessment of medical

practitioners in Namibia and to compare their views in order to gain insights into their

views, with a view of implementing competence and performance assessment of a

medical practitioners programme which might consequently improve quality services.

The study followed a quantitative research approach using a descriptive design. A

survey method using questionnaires was applied. A response rate of 66.0% was

obtained. Data analysis, that included identifying and comparing the perceptions of

different stakeholders regarding the introduction of a competence and performance

assessment of medical practitioners, was done using SPSS. The target population

included all MDCNA members, as well as state and private medical practitioners in

Windhoek. The findings were that the majority of MDCNA and private medical

practitioners, respectively, believe it is very necessary to introduce a competence and

performance assessment of medical practitioners in Namibia.

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Their responses are comparable and consistent with the responses provided by the

state medical practitioners. The study further revealed that the majority of MDCNA

and private medical practitioners believe that the introduction of a competence and

performance assessment of medical practitioners in Namibia could significantly

improve quality health-care services. Their responses are comparable and consistent

with the responses provided by the state medical practitioners. Recommendations are

proposed based on the results of the study.