EFFECT OF DELEGATION OF ROUTINE MEDICAL TASKS ON SPECIALIST CLINICAL OFFICERS IN QUALITY SERVICE DELIVERY IN MACHAKOS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES

Purpose of Study: This study determined the effect of delegation of routine medical tasks on quality service delivery among Specialist Clinical Officers in public health facilities in Machakos County, Kenya. It specifically examined how delegation practices, including task matching, competence, supervision, and workload, influence efficiency and quality of healthcare service delivery. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach. The target population comprised 146 Specialist Clinical Officers, 232 General Healthcare Providers, and 30 Hospital Administrators from eight public health facilities. Stratified, proportionate, census, and purposive sampling techniques were used. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews and analysed using SPSS version 26, descriptive statistics, and multinomial logistic regression. A response rate of 93.6% was achieved. Findings: The findings showed that 52.4% of respondents reported high efficiency in service delivery under task-shifting arrangements, while 32.2% reported medium efficiency and 15.4% low efficiency. Task matching to personnel skills significantly influenced both medium efficiency (p = .019, Exp(B) = 0.092) and high efficiency (p = .012, Exp(B) = 0.079). Inappropriate task matching substantially reduced the likelihood of efficient service delivery. Supportive supervision, competence of delegated personnel, and clear role boundaries were associated with improved efficiency, whereas increased workload negatively affected service delivery. Key informants reported improved access, shorter waiting times, quicker diagnosis and treatment, continuity of care, and greater patient satisfaction following delegation. Conclusion: The study concludes that delegation of routine medical tasks significantly influences quality service delivery among Specialist Clinical Officers in Machakos County public health facilities. Effective task matching, appropriate supervision, competent personnel, continuous training, and manageable workloads are essential for achieving efficient and quality healthcare services. Strengthening these areas can optimise task-shifting outcomes.