Influence of Project Planning Practices on Health Service Delivery by Kibaya Health Post, Rwanda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2567Abstract
This study examined the influence of health post project planning practices on the effectiveness of health service delivery at Kibaya Health Post, Rwanda. It specifically assessed how project needs assessment, resource funding, scope definition, and team competency affect service delivery outcomes in a rural primary health care setting. The study was guided by Systems Theory, Resource-Based View Theory, Project Scope Management Theory, and Human Capital Theory to explain the relationship between planning practices and service performance. A descriptive cross-sectional research design using a mixed-methods approach was adopted. The target population was 127 respondents, from which a sample of 97 was selected using Slovin’s formula and stratified random sampling. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources using structured closed-ended questionnaires, interview guides, and document analysis. A pilot study was conducted in Kicukiro District using 10 questionnaires to test reliability through the test-retest method, while validity was ensured through expert judgment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, generating descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed and integrated with quantitative findings. The findings revealed that all four project planning practices significantly and positively influence health service delivery. Project needs assessment had the strongest effect (B = 0.363, β = 0.398, p = 0.000), followed by scope definition (B = 0.297, β = 0.271, p = 0.000), team competency (B = 0.228, β = 0.227, p = 0.006), and resource funding (B = 0.217, β = 0.213, p = 0.013). The constant term was not statistically significant, indicating that without effective planning practices, service delivery remains weak. The study concludes that effective project planning is essential for improving health service delivery in Kibaya Health Post. It recommends strengthening participatory planning, ensuring timely resource allocation, enhancing scope clarity, and building staff capacity. Future research should explore long-term sustainability and the role of digital technologies in improving health project planning in community health systems.
Keywords: Project planning practices; Needs assessment; Resource funding; Project scope definition; Health service delivery.
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