Abstract:

Background Information: 5S is literally five abbreviations of Japanese terms with 5 initials of S that are; Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize and Sustain. This is the set of actions used as a basic, fundamental, systematic approach for productivity, quality and safety improvement in all types of organizations which has to be conducted systematically with the full participation of staff serving the institution. Studies to show sustainability of 5s knowledge are scarce in most hospital settings.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine knowledge and practice on 5S activities among pharmaceutical personnel and nurses working at Bugando Medical Centre.

Methodology: Hospital based cross-sectional conducted among pharmaceutical personnel’s and nurses working at BMC in Mwanza Tanzania from June 2020 to July 2020. Data collection procedure was observational, semi structured questionnaire and an interview. Data were analysed using statistical package of social science (SPSS) program version 20.

Results: The study showed that, majority of participants 209 (85.3% had knowledge on 5s activities. Also the study showed that, 192 (78.4%) practice 5s activities on their working places. Among 5 units of pharmacy department that were evaluated during the study, the results showed that 4 units (80%) used 5-10 minutes to dispense medications to patients and only 1 unit (20%) used 16-20 minutes to deliver services to patients.

Conclusion: This is the first study done to determine level of knowledge and practice on 5s KAIZEN approach among health care workers at BMC. The government through ministry of health should provide more training on 5s KAIZEN approach so as to enable health care workers to acquire high knowledge on the approach and implements 5s activities on theirs working places.