AN INSIGHT INTO THE HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES OF SRI LANKAN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN PRIVATE SECTOR

The inferior performance in housekeeping services has contributed to distinguishable levels of patient dissatisfaction. Therefore, similar to primary processes like medical treatment in healthcare sector same attention should be paid on secondary processes such as housekeeping services by the management. Moreover, the knowledge on housekeeping services is critical to plan and design proper housekeeping mechanisms in healthcare facilities. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the nature of housekeeping services in order to design proper housekeeping processes for private healthcare facilities in Sri Lanka. This research follows a qualitative research approach to examine the current housekeeping practices by adopting case study strategy. Semi structured interviews were conducted with seven respondents of the selected three cases from the private sector and direct observation method was used to better understand the housekeeping procedures. The results revealed that even though the bed capacity belongs to three groups, the housekeeping practices remain almost similar and the housekeeping in hospitals is essentially based on infection control and hygiene rather than aesthetical appearance compared to other facilities. Furthermore, the key differences such as absence of key designations such as upholsterers, painters, wall washers and catering team in the hierarchy and the absence of floor plans and area responsibility plans in the housekeeping divisions in Sri Lankan context were determined by comparing the research findings with the literature sources.