Exploring Operational Coping Strategies of Private Hospitals amid Loadshedding in Zambia

Abstract

This study explored the operational coping strategies employed by private hospitals in the Lusaka district amid persistent loadshedding. The research aimed to identify the strategies adopted, evaluate their effectiveness in maintaining healthcare service delivery, and assess their impact on operational costs and patient care. This particular study focused on private health care service delivery amid loadshedding and did not consider public facilities. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected for this study. Quantitative data was collected using structured questionnaires, which were administered to hospital personnel, including hospital administrators, technical staff, and medical staff. Qualitative data was collected using an interview guide to collect qualitative insights from 21 hospital administrators across various private hospitals. A total of 120 respondents were targeted using stratified purposive sampling across 30 registered private hospitals in the Lusaka district, from which 110 responded, achieving a response rate of 87%. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods were employed. For quantitative analysis, SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) was used, while qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings reveal that private hospitals primarily rely on a mixture of strategies, including backup generators, solar equipment, staff shift adjustments, and water storage/management strategies, to cope with power outages. While these strategies were found to be moderately effective in promoting continuity of services, they significantly increase operational costs. Additionally, the strategies were found to have no impact on patient care. The study highlights the need for sustainable energy solutions, improved infrastructure, and improved solar technical skills.