How to select a healthcare facility

Not all hospitals are the same anywhere in the world. There is a lot of variation in many aspects, ranging from quality of care, to cost and access. Selecting a hospital for your healthcare needs must be a deliberate choice based on many factors. You should always resist the temptation to just walk into any health facility, just because that’s where your best friends or neighbours go.

Look for health facilities that have good ratings. This may be informal in Kenya, but still provides you with a way to filter out trash. International accreditation gives you a measure of confidence in the quality of care provided.

This is easy to find as most facilities proudly display their accreditation details prominently. Unavailable accreditation almost inevitably means the facility has no accreditation credentials. But you may still find some good facilities out there working up their way to accreditation. In contrast, accreditation may not necessarily equate to the highest standards of care.

Don’t ignore other peoples’ experiences in the facility you are interested in. Patients who have recently been treated in a facility will give you insights about cleanliness, communication with the doctors and nurses, and many other aspects of care that don’t always come to the limelight. If overall patient assessments are negative, please look elsewhere.

Your primary care physician is likely to have deep knowledge about healthcare facilities that you can choose from. Seek their views about where the expertise you need is available. They are more likely to steer you to facilities where quality is standard, without necessarily being negative about other facilities. Likewise, talk to somebody who already works in the facility you want to visit. They may work there for a living, but may not necessarily want to be treated there themselves for reasons they might share with you.

do your homework

Consider cost. There should always be a balance between cost and quality. The most expensive facilities do not necessarily provide the best of care. Question every test requested, and consider getting it done in a competing facility if appropriate. Check that your insurance will cover your bills, they may also direct you to where cost is more acceptable without compromising your care.

Ask yourself whether local care is good enough. Too many women are quick to seek care overseas, when excellent care may be fairly close to home. Do your homework, and be sure that local expertise is completely unavailable before committing for treatment overseas. Remember your insurance may not cover for travel and accommodation. Again, go through the motions of carefully selecting an overseas facility, don’t be distracted by self-bloating ads that are just that.

You are likely to end up more satisfied with the care you get if you have taken time to choose your healthcare facility wisely.

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