Workforce Capacity Building Strategies and Performance of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of workforce capacity building strategies on the performance of healthcare workers at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka. The research specifically, examined how training, performance management, coaching, mentoring, and overall workforce development impact staff performance, job satisfaction, and patient care quality. The study was anchored on Human Capital Theory, which posits that investment in education and professional development enhances employee productivity and organizational outcomes. A census design was adopted due to the manageable population of 890 staff. Using a mixed-methods approach, structured questionnaires were administered to all employees, with 857 valid responses returned. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions complemented the survey data. Instrument validity was established through expert review, while reliability testing using Cronbach’s Alpha yielded a coefficient of 0.76. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and simple regression analyses. Findings revealed that workforce capacity building strategies significantly influence healthcare worker performance and operational efficiency. On-the-job training and formal workshops were identified as particularly effective in enhancing professional growth and service delivery. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited time allocation, and weak mentorship structures constrained optimal outcomes. Although most respondents perceived alignment between capacity development initiatives and institutional goals, clearer integration was recommended to strengthen employee retention and patient outcomes. The study concludes that sustained and strategically aligned capacity building initiatives significantly improve healthcare worker performance, job satisfaction, and patient care quality at COOUTH. It recommends strengthening mentorship systems, expanding digital learning platforms, and improving resource allocation. The findings contribute to ongoing discourse on workforce development in tertiary healthcare institutions and provide practical guidance for hospital administrators and policymakers.