Challenges of home visit practice and perceived solutions for improvement in Ghanaian context: perspectives of healthcare professional and community informants

Abstract Background Home visits conducted by nurses and other health professionals are pivotal in ensuring access to healthcare and social services, particularly for the poor and marginalized in Ghana. This paper presents findings from a study conducted in the first and last quarter’s 2020 among health professionals and key community informants on health service delivery in a rural–urban setting in Accra, Ghana. The study’s specific objectives were to (1) explore the challenges besetting home visit practices in Ghana and (2) solicit participants’ perspectives on measures to improve current home visit practices. Methods A qualitative exploratory study was adopted. The study population included community healthcare workers (public health nurses, nurses and community health officers), local community leaders and faith healers group leaders. Audio-recorded data were collected during focus group discussions and stakeholder engagements. Three qualitative analysts from the research team conducted thematic and content data analysis. Results Barriers to home visits were identified. Thematic areas under the barriers included “ Physical Challenges, Psychological Challenges and Sociocultural practices as challenges to home visiting.” The second significant finding was centred on multiple measures to improve home visits from health workers. The themes included “ Resources and Incentives, Safety and Security, and In-service Training. ” These significant findings were validated in the stakeholder meetings. Conclusions Multi-factorial challenges impede the practices and reception of home visits in Ghana. Based on the findings, we recommend dedicated home visiting guidelines incorporating cultural nuances and providing salient information on service set-up, logistics, and human and financial resources to streamline home visiting practice.