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Kalaris K, English M, Wong G. Developing an understanding of networks with a focus on LMIC health systems: How and why clinical and programmatic networks form and function to be able to change practices: A realist review. SSM - HEALTH SYSTEMS 2023; 1:100001. [PMID: 38144421 PMCID: PMC10740353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmhs.2023.100001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Networks are an increasingly employed approach to improve quality of care, service delivery, and health systems performance, particularly in low-and-middle income country (LMIC) health systems. The literature shows that networks can improve the provision and quality of services and health system functioning but there is limited evidence explaining how and why networks are established and work to achieve their reported results. We undertook a realist review to explore this. The objective of this realist review was to develop a programme theory outlining the underlying mechanisms and interactions of contexts that explain how and why a network's set-up and function enable high-quality care and services and improved clinical outcomes in LMIC health systems. We followed Pawson's five steps for realist reviews. The search strategy was based on a previously published scoping review with additional searches. Literature was selected based on its relevance to the programme theory and rigour. Context-mechanism-outcome configurations were developed from the extracted data to refine the initial programme theory with causal explanations. Theories on social movements and organisations supported the identification of mechanism and brought additional explanatory power to the programme theory. The programme theory explains how networks are initiated, formed, and function in a way that sets them up for network leadership and committed, engaged, and motivated network members to emerge and to change practices, which may lead to improved quality of care, service delivery, and clinical outcomes through the following phases: identify a problem, developing a collective vision, taking action to solve the problem, forming purposeful relationships, linkages, and partnerships, building a network identity and culture, and the creation of a psychological safe space. This deeper understanding of networks formation and functioning can lead to a more considered planning and implementation of networks, thereby improving health system functioning and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Kalaris
- Health Systems Collaborative, Kellogg College, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, 3 South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Mike English
- Health Systems Collaborative, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, 3 South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Geoff Wong
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, United Kingdom
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Neill R, Zia N, Ashraf L, Khan Z, Pryor W, Bachani AM. Integration measurement and its applications in low- and middle-income country health systems: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1876. [PMID: 37770887 PMCID: PMC10537146 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16724-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing interest in and commitment to integration, or integrated care, the concept is ill-defined and the resulting evidence base fragmented, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Underlying this challenge is a lack of coherent approaches to measure the extent of integration and how this influences desired outcomes. The aim of this scoping review is to identify measurement approaches for integration in LMICs and map them for future use. METHODS Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews was followed. We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed literature measuring integration in LMICs across three databases and screened identified papers by predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A modified version of the Rainbow Model for Integrated Care guided charting and analysis of the data. RESULTS We included 99 studies. Studies were concentrated in the Africa region and most frequently focused on the integration of HIV care with other services. A range of definitions and methods were identified, with no single approach for the measurement of integration dominating the literature. Measurement of clinical integration was the most common, with indicators focused on measuring receipt of two or more services provided at a single point of time. Organizational and professional integration indicators were focused on inter- and intra-organizational communication, collaboration, coordination, and continuity of care, while functional integration measured common information systems or patient records. Gaps were identified in measuring systems and normative integration. Few tools were validated or publicly available for future use. CONCLUSION We identified a wide range of recent approaches used to measure integration in LMICs. Our findings underscore continued challenges with lack of conceptual cohesion and fragmentation which limits how integration is understood in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Neill
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, 615 N. Wolfe Street Suite E8527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Nukhba Zia
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, 615 N. Wolfe Street Suite E8527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Lamisa Ashraf
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, 615 N. Wolfe Street Suite E8527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Zainab Khan
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, 615 N. Wolfe Street Suite E8527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Wesley Pryor
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
| | - Abdulgafoor M Bachani
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, 615 N. Wolfe Street Suite E8527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Ogundo CLA, Bascaran C, Habtamu E, Buchan J, Mwangi N. Eye Health Integration in Southern and Eastern Africa: A Scoping Review. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol 2023; 30:44-50. [PMID: 38435102 PMCID: PMC10903717 DOI: 10.4103/meajo.meajo_320_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrated health systems are deemed necessary for the attainment of universal health coverage, and the East, Central, and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) recently passed a resolution to endorse the integration of eye health into the wider health system. This review presents the current state of integration of eye health systems in the region. Eight hundred and twelve articles between 1946 and 2020 were identified from four electronic databases that were searched. Article selection and data charting were done by two reviewers independently. Thirty articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the narrative synthesis. Majority were observational studies (60%) and from Tanzania (43%). No explicit definition of integration was found. Eye health was prioritized at national level in some countries but failed to cascade to the lower levels. Eye health system integration was commonly viewed in terms of service delivery and was targeted at the primary level. Eye care data documentation was inadequate. Workforce integration efforts were focused on training general health-care cadres and communities to create a multidisciplinary team but with some concerns on quality of services. Government funding for eye care was limited. The findings show eye health system integration in the ECSA-HC region has been in progress for about four decades and is focused on the inclusion of eye health services into other health-care programs. Integration of comprehensive eye care into all the health system building blocks, particularly financial integration, needs to be given greater emphasis in the ECSA-HC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Covadonga Bascaran
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Esmael Habtamu
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Eyu-Ethiopia: Eye Health Research, Training and Service Centre, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - John Buchan
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nyawira Mwangi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kenya Medical Training College, Nairobi, Kenya
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Colombini M, Mayhew SH, García-Moreno C, d'Oliveira AF, Feder G, Bacchus LJ. Improving health system readiness to address violence against women and girls: a conceptual framework. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1429. [PMID: 36443825 PMCID: PMC9703415 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08826-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing focus on readiness of health systems to respond to survivors of violence against women (VAW), a global human rights violation damaging women's health. Health system readiness focuses on how prepared healthcare systems and institutions, including providers and potential users, are to adopt changes brought about by the integration of VAW care into services. In VAW research, such assessment is often limited to individual provider readiness or facility-level factors that need to be strengthened, with less attention to health system dimensions. The paper presents a framework for health system readiness assessment to improve quality of care for intimate partner violence (IPV), which was tested in Brazil and Palestinian territories (oPT). METHODS Data synthesis of primary data from 43 qualitative interviews with healthcare providers and health managers in Brazil and oPT to explore readiness in health systems. RESULTS The application of the framework showed that it had significant added value in capturing system capabilities - beyond the availability of material and technical capacity - to encompass stakeholder values, confidence, motivation and connection with clients and communities. Our analysis highlighted two missing elements within the initial framework: client and community engagement and gender equality issues. Subsequently, the framework was finalised and organised around three levels of analysis: macro, meso and micro. The micro level highlighted the need to also consider how the system can sustainably involve and interact with clients (women) and communities to ensure and promote readiness for integrating (and participating in) change. Addressing cultural and gender norms around IPV and enhancing support and commitment from health managers was also shown to be necessary for a health system environment that enables the integration of IPV care. CONCLUSION The proposed framework helps identify a) system capabilities and pre-conditions for system readiness; b) system changes required for delivering quality care for IPV; and c) connections between and across system levels and capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudia García-Moreno
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Gene Feder
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Basenero A, Neidel J, Ikeda DJ, Ashivudhi H, Mpariwa S, Kamangu JWN, Mpalang Kakubu MA, Hans L, Mutandi G, Jed S, Tjituka F, Hamunime N, Agins BD. Integrating hypertension and HIV care in Namibia: A quality improvement collaborative approach. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272727. [PMID: 35951592 PMCID: PMC9371294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypertension (HTN) is highly prevalent among people with HIV (PWH) in Namibia, but screening and treatment for HTN are not routinely offered as part of HIV care delivery. We report the implementation of a quality improvement collaborative (QIC) to accelerate integration of HTN and HIV care within public-sector health facilities in Namibia. Methods Twenty-four facilities participated in the QIC with the aim of increasing HTN screening and treatment among adult PWH (>15 years). HTN was defined according to national treatment guidelines (i.e., systolic blood pressure >140 and/or diastolic blood pressure >90 across three measurements and at least two occasions), and decisions regarding initiation of treatment were made by physicians only. Teams from participating hospitals used quality improvement methods, monthly measurement of performance indicators, and small-scale tests of change to implement contextually tailored interventions. Coaching of sites was performed on a monthly basis by clinical officers with expertise in QI and HIV, and sites were convened as part of learning sessions to facilitate diffusion of effective interventions. Results Between March 2017 and March 2018, hypertension screening occurred as part of 183,043 (86%) clinical encounters at participating facilities. Among 1,759 PWH newly diagnosed with HTN, 992 (56%) were initiated on first-line treatment. Rates of treatment initiation were higher in facilities with an on-site physician (61%) compared to those without one (51%). During the QIC, facility teams identified fourteen interventions to improve HTN screening and treatment. Among barriers to implementation, teams pointed to malfunctions of blood pressure machines and stock outs of antihypertensive medications as common challenges. Conclusions Implementation of a QIC provided a structured approach for integrating HTN and HIV services across 24 high-volume facilities in Namibia. As rates of HTN treatment remained low despite ongoing facility-level changes, policy-level interventions—such as task sharing and supply chain strengthening—should be pursued to further improve delivery of HTN care among PWH beyond initial screening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Neidel
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel J. Ikeda
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Linea Hans
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Gram Mutandi
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Suzanne Jed
- Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | | | - Bruce D. Agins
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Conceptualising the Factors Influencing Community Health Workers’ Preparedness for ICT Implementation: A Systematised Scoping Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Background: Globally, community health workers (CHW) are increasingly viewed as an integral part of the health system as opposed to simply being an extension of it. Given this view, most low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) have refocused their efforts on reorganising CHW initiatives to maximise their impact. The ongoing endeavours to augment the practice of community health workers using technological solutions are characterised by as many challenges as opportunities. In low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa, information and communication technology (ICT) has become a promising development in the enhancement of the equitable coverage of health services by community health workers. However, there has not been a wide-scale implementation and adoption of ICT; most technology initiatives fail to scale up during the implementation stage, which is attributable to human and context-related factors. Although there has been an effort to develop solutions to address ICT infrastructure and technical barriers, conceptualising an evidence-based understanding of the contextual and user-related factors that influence the efficacy of technology adoption by CHWs within their multidimensional system remains critical. Objective: The purpose of the study is to conceptualise the social factors to consider when implementing a bespoke ICT solution suited to the specific demands of CHWs in primary healthcare in developing contexts, with a particular focus on the South African context. Methodology: The methodology involves synthesizing, extracting, and consolidating the findings of a systematised scoping review into concepts and factors. The review adapts Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review approach to the study and incorporates 59 relevant articles. Results: Although the knowledge base on CHWs is extensive, there is a considerable gap in addressing structural challenges within the community system, which contributes significantly to the overall performance of CHW programs. Factors promoting policy adaptations, common practice within the health system, CHW competencies, a community’s development in terms of knowledge and economic advancement, safety and security, the environment, and the socio-cultural context all play a significant role in facilitating or impeding the success of health interventions from the individual to the national level. Conclusions: Within several practical limitations, the study shows that despite the efforts of various developing countries to promote technology adoption, the barriers to ICT adoption outweigh the benefits gained in developing countries. The paper argues that addressing these challenges before and during implementation is critical. The authors conclude with some essential concerns about assisting CHWs towards realising the desired health outcomes through ICT.
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Jesus TS. Rigour and transparency in the family of systematic reviews: The International Journal of Health Planning and Management encourages prospective protocol registration. Int J Health Plann Manage 2022; 37:2523-2527. [DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago S. Jesus
- Feinberg School of Medicine Center for Education in Health Sciences Northwestern University Institute for Public Health and Medicine Chicago Illinois USA
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Tesema AG, Peiris D, Joshi R, Abimbola S, Fentaye FW, Teklu AM, Kinfu Y. Exploring complementary and competitive relations between non-communicable disease services and other health extension programme services in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-009025. [PMID: 35738842 PMCID: PMC9226884 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ethiopia has recently revitalised its health extension programme (HEP) to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We examined the effects of existing essential HEP services on the uptake of NCD preventive services. Methods We applied a mixed-effect non-linear model with a logit link function to identify factors associated with a community resident’s probability of receiving NCD prevention services through the HEP. The data were drawn from the Ethiopian HEP assessment Survey conducted in all regions. The analysis included 9680 community residents, 261 health extension workers (HEWs), 153 health posts, 119 health centres, 55 districts and 9 regions, which we combined hierarchically into a single database. Results In the 12 months before the survey, 22% of the sample population reported receiving NCD preventive service at least once. The probability of receiving NCD prevention service increased by up to 25% (OR=1.25, CI 1.01 to 1.53) if health centres routinely gathered NCD data from health posts and by up to 48% (OR=.48, CI 1.24 to 1.78) if they provided general (ie, non-NCD specific) training to HEWs. NCD preventive service uptake also increased if the HEW held level IV qualification (OR=1.32, CI 1.06 to 1.65) and lived in the community (OR=1.24, CI 1.03 to 1.49). Conversely, if facilities delayed general performance reviews of HEWs by a month, uptake of NCD prevention services decreased by 6% (OR=0.94, CI 0.91 to 0.97). We observed that better HIV/AIDS programme performance was associated with a lower uptake of NCD preventive services (OR=0.15, CI 0.03 to 0.85). Conclusion Despite efforts to improve NCD services through the HEP, the coverage remains limited. A strong HEP is good for the uptake of NCD preventive services. However, integration requires a careful balance, so that the success already recorded for some existing programmes is not lost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azeb Gebresilassie Tesema
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia .,School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - David Peiris
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rohina Joshi
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
| | - Seye Abimbola
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fasil Walelign Fentaye
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Quality Improvement (MERQ), Ethiopia office, MERQ Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alula M Teklu
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Quality Improvement (MERQ), Ethiopia office, MERQ Consultancy PLC, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Kinfu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Department of Health Science Metrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Malakoane B, Heunis JC, Chikobvu P, Kigozi NG, Kruger WH. Improving public health sector service delivery in the Free State, South Africa: development of a provincial intervention model. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:486. [PMID: 35413918 PMCID: PMC9004016 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Public health sector service delivery challenges leading to poor population health outcomes have been observed in the Free State province of South Africa for the past decade. A multi-method situation appraisal of the different functional domains revealed serious health system deficiencies and operational defects, notably fragmentation of healthcare programmes and frontline services, as well as challenges related to governance, accountability and human resources for health. It was therefore necessary to develop a system-wide intervention to comprehensively address defects in the operation of the public health system and its major components. Methods This study describes the development of the ‘Health Systems Governance & Accountability’ (HSGA) intervention model by the Free State Department of Health (FSDoH) in collaboration with the community and other stakeholders following a participatory action approach. Documented information collected during routine management processes were reviewed for this paper. Starting in March 2013, the development of the HSGA intervention model and the concomitant application of Kaplan and Norton’s (1992) Balanced Scorecard performance measurement tool was informed by the World Health Organization’s (2007) conceptual framework for health system strengthening and reform comprised of six health system ‘building blocks.’ The multiple and overlapping processes and actions to develop the intervention are described according to the four steps in Kaplan et al.’s (2013) systems approach to health systems strengthening: (i) problem identification, (ii) description, (iii) alteration and (iv) implementation. Results The finalisation of the HSGA intervention model before end-2013 was a prelude to the development of the FSDoH’s Strategic Transformation Plan 2015–2030. The HSGA intervention model was used as a tool to implement and integrate the Plan’s programmes moving forward with a consistent focus on the six building blocks for health systems strengthening and the all-important linkages between them. Conclusion The model was developed to address fragmentation and improve public health service delivery by the provincial health department. In January 2016, the intervention model became an official departmental policy, meaning that it was approved for implementation, compliance, monitoring and reporting, and became the guiding framework for health systems strengthening and transform in the Free State.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Malakoane
- Department of Community Health, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - James Christoffel Heunis
- Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa.
| | - Perpetual Chikobvu
- Department of Community Health, Free State Department of Health, University of the Free State, PO Box 277, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Nanteza Gladys Kigozi
- Centre for Health Systems Research & Development, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Willem Hendrik Kruger
- Department of Community Health, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
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Aghaji A, Burchett HED, Oguego N, Hameed S, Gilbert C. Primary health care facility readiness to implement primary eye care in Nigeria: equipment, infrastructure, service delivery and health management information systems. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1360. [PMID: 34930271 PMCID: PMC8690487 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07359-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over two-thirds of Africans have no access to eye care services. To increase access, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends integrating eye care into primary health care, and the WHO Africa region recently developed a package for primary eye care. However, there are limited data on the capacities needed for delivery, to guide policymakers and implementers on the feasibility of integration. The overall purpose of this study was to assess the technical capacity of the health system at primary level to deliver the WHO primary eye care package. Findings with respect to service delivery, equipment and health management information systems (HMIS) are presented in this paper. Methods This was a mixed-methods, cross sectional feasibility study in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods included a desk review of relevant Nigerian policies; a survey of 48 primary health facilities in six districts randomly selected using two stage sampling, and semi-structured interviews with six supervisors and nine purposively selected facility heads. Quantitative study tools included observational checklists and questionnaires. Survey data were analysed descriptively using STATA V.15.1 (Statcorp, Texas). Differences between health centres and health posts were analysed using the z-test statistic. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis assisted by Open Code Software V.4.02. Results There are enabling national health policies for eye care, but no policy specifically for primary eye care. 85% of facilities had no medication for eye conditions and one in eight had no vitamin A in stock. Eyecare was available in < 10% of the facilities. The services delivered focussed on maternal and child health, with low attendance by adults aged over 50 years with over 50% of facilities reporting ≤10 attendances per year per 1000 catchment population. No facility reported data on patients with eye conditions in their patient registers. Conclusion A policy for primary eye care is needed which aligns with existing eye health policies. There are currently substantial capacity gaps in service delivery, equipment and data management which will need to be addressed if eye care is to be successfully integrated into primary care in Nigeria. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07359-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Aghaji
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria. .,International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Helen E D Burchett
- Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London, UK
| | - Ngozi Oguego
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Shaffa Hameed
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Clare Gilbert
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Aghaji A, Burchett HED, Oguego N, Hameed S, Gilbert C. Human resource and governance challenges in the delivery of primary eye care: a mixed methods feasibility study in Nigeria. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1321. [PMID: 34893081 PMCID: PMC8662916 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07362-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To increase access to eye care, the World Health Organization’s Africa Region recently launched a primary eye care (PEC) package for sub-Saharan Africa. To determine the technical feasibility of implementing this package, the capacity of health systems at primary level needs to be assessed, to identify capacity gaps that would need to be addressed to deliver effective and sustainable PEC. This study reports on the human resource and governance challenges for delivering PEC in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods Design: This was a mixed methods feasibility study. A desk review of relevant Nigerian national health policy documents on both eye health and primary health care was conducted, and 48 primary health care facilities in Anambra state were surveyed. Data on human resource and governance in primary health facilities were collected using structured questionnaires and through observation with checklists. In-depth interviews were conducted with district supervisors and selected heads of facilities to explore the opportunities and challenges for the delivery of PEC in their facilities/districts. Data were analysed using the World Health Organization’s health system framework. Results A clear policy for PEC is lacking. Supervision was conducted at least quarterly in 54% of facilities and 56% of facilities did not use the standard clinical management guidelines. There were critical shortages of health workers with 82% of facilities working with less than 20% of the number recommended. Many facilities used volunteers and/or ad hoc workers to mitigate staff shortages. Conclusion Our study highlights the policy, governance and health workforce gaps that will need to be addressed to deliver PEC in Nigeria. Developing and implementing a specific policy for PEC is recommended. Implementation of existing national health policies may help address health workforce shortages at the primary health care level. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07362-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Aghaji
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Enugu, Nigeria. .,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Helen E D Burchett
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ngozi Oguego
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Shaffa Hameed
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, GB, UK
| | - Clare Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Subedi S, MacDougall C, McNaughton D, Saikia U, Brabazon T. Leadership development among public health officials in Nepal: A grounded theory. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259256. [PMID: 34739510 PMCID: PMC8570488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leadership in public health is necessary, relevant, and important as it enables the engagement, management, and transformation of complex public health challenges at a national level, as well as collaborating with internal stakeholders to address global public health threats. The research literature recommends exploring the journey of public health leaders and the factors influencing leadership development, especially in developing countries. Thus, we aimed to develop a grounded theory on individual leadership development in the Nepalese context. For this, we adopted constructivist grounded theory, and conducted 46 intensive interviews with 22 public health officials working under the Ministry of Health, Nepal. Data were analysed by adopting the principles of Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory. The theory developed from this study illustrates four phases of leadership development within an individual-initiation, identification, development, and expansion. The 'initial phase' is about an individual's wishes to be a leader without a formal role or acknowledgement, where family environment, social environment and individual characteristics play a role in influencing the actualisation of leadership behaviours. The 'identification phase' involves being identified as a public health official after having formal position in health-related organisations. The 'development' phase is about developing core leadership capabilities mostly through exposure and experiences. The 'expansion' phase describes expanding leadership capabilities and recognition mostly by continuous self-directed learning. The grounded theory provides insights into the meaning and actions of participants' professional experiences and highlighted the role of individual characteristics, family and socio-cultural environment, and workplace settings in the development of leadership capabilities. It has implications for academia to fulfill the absence of leadership theory in public health and is significant to fulfill the need of leadership models grounded in the local context of Asian countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarshan Subedi
- School of Health and Allied Sciences, Pokhara University, Pokhara, Nepal
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Colin MacDougall
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Darlene McNaughton
- School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Udoy Saikia
- College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Tara Brabazon
- Office of Graduate Research, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
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Hasan MZ, Neill R, Das P, Venugopal V, Arora D, Bishai D, Jain N, Gupta S. Integrated health service delivery during COVID-19: a scoping review of published evidence from low-income and lower-middle-income countries. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-005667. [PMID: 34135071 PMCID: PMC8210663 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrated health service delivery (IHSD) is a promising approach to improve health system resilience. However, there is a lack of evidence specific to the low/lower-middle-income country (L-LMIC) health systems on how IHSD is used during disease outbreaks. This scoping review aimed to synthesise the emerging evidence on IHSD approaches adopted in L-LMIC during the COVID-19 pandemic and systematically collate their operational features. METHODS A systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed literature, published in English between 1 December 2019 and 12 June 2020, from seven electronic databases was conducted to explore the evidence of IHSD implemented in L-LMICs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were systematically charted, and key features of IHSD systems were presented according to the postulated research questions of the review. RESULTS The literature search retrieved 1487 published articles from which 18 articles met the inclusion criteria and included in this review. Service delivery, health workforce, medicine and technologies were the three most frequently integrated health system building blocks during the COVID-19 pandemic. While responding to COVID-19, the L-LMICs principally implemented the IHSD system via systematic horizontal integration, led by specific policy measures. The government's stewardship, along with the decentralised decision-making capacity of local institutions and multisectoral collaboration, was the critical facilitator for IHSD. Simultaneously, fragmented service delivery structures, fragile supply chain, inadequate diagnostic capacity and insufficient workforce were key barriers towards integration. CONCLUSION A wide array of context-specific IHSD approaches were operationalised in L-LMICs during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging recommendations emphasise the importance of coordination and integration across building blocks and levels of the health system, supported by a responsive governance structure and stakeholder engagement strategies. Future reviews can revisit this emerging evidence base at subsequent phases of COVID-19 response and recovery in L-LMICs to understand how the approaches highlighted here evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Zabir Hasan
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada .,Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel Neill
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Priyanka Das
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vasuki Venugopal
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Dinesh Arora
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David Bishai
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nishant Jain
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH India Office, New Delhi, India
| | - Shivam Gupta
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Mensah K, Kaboré C, Zeba S, Bouchon M, Duchesne V, Pourette D, DeBeaudrap P, Dumont A. Implementation of HPV-based screening in Burkina Faso: lessons learned from the PARACAO hybrid-effectiveness study. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:251. [PMID: 34162367 PMCID: PMC8220722 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01392-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer screening in sub-Saharan countries relies on primary visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Primary human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening is considered a promising alternative. However, the implementation and real-life effectiveness of this strategy at the primary-care level in limited-resource contexts remain under explored. In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, free HPV-based screening was implemented in 2019 in two primary healthcare centers. We carried out a process and effectiveness evaluation of this intervention. METHODS Effectiveness outcomes and implementation indicators were assessed through a cohort study of screened women, observations in participating centers, individual interviews with women and healthcare providers and monitoring reports. Effectiveness outcomes were screening completeness and women's satisfaction. Logistic regression models and concurrent qualitative analysis explored how implementation variability, acceptability by women and the context affected effectiveness outcomes. RESULTS After a 3-month implementation period, of the 350 women included in the cohort, 94% completed the screening, although only 26% had their screening completed in a single visit as planned in the protocol. The proportion of highly satisfied women was higher after result disclosure (95%) than after sampling (65%). A good understanding of the screening results and recommendations increased screening completeness and women's satisfaction, while time to result disclosure decreased satisfaction. Adaptations were made to fit healthcare workers' workload. CONCLUSION Free HPV-based screening was successfully integrated within primary care in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, leading to a high level of screening completeness despite the frequent use of multiple visits. Future implementation in primary healthcare centers needs to improve counseling and reduce wait times at the various steps of the screening sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keitly Mensah
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Inserm ERL 1244, UMR Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) et Université de Paris, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006, Paris, France.
| | - Charles Kaboré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de La Santé (IRSS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Salifou Zeba
- Laboratoire de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Sciences sociales et Santé (LARISS), Université Ouaga 1, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Magali Bouchon
- Pôle Recherche et Apprentissages, Médecins du Monde, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Duchesne
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Inserm ERL 1244, UMR Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) et Université de Paris, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Dolorès Pourette
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Inserm ERL 1244, UMR Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) et Université de Paris, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Pierre DeBeaudrap
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Inserm ERL 1244, UMR Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) et Université de Paris, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Dumont
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Inserm ERL 1244, UMR Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) et Université de Paris, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006, Paris, France
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15
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Vaidya S, Boes S. Strategies to mitigate inequity within mandatory health insurance systems: A systematic review. WORLD MEDICAL & HEALTH POLICY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shalvaree Vaidya
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine University of Lucerne Lucerne Switzerland
| | - Stefan Boes
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine University of Lucerne Lucerne Switzerland
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16
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Neill R, Hasan MZ, Das P, Venugopal V, Jain N, Arora D, Gupta S. Evidence of integrated health service delivery during COVID-19 in low and lower-middle-income countries: protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042872. [PMID: 33941625 PMCID: PMC8098290 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The importance of integrated, people-centred health systems has been recognised as a central component of Universal Health Coverage. Integration has also been highlighted as a critical element for building resilient health systems that can withstand the shock of health emergencies. However, there is a dearth of research and systematic synthesis of evidence on the synergistic relationship between integrated health services and pandemic preparedness, response, and recovery in low-income and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, the authors are organising a scoping review aiming to explore the application of integrated health service delivery approaches during the emerging COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This scoping review adheres to the six steps for scoping reviews from Arksey and O'Malley. Peer-reviewed scientific literature will be systematically assembled using a standardised and replicable search strategy from seven electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, the WHO's Global Research Database on COVID-19 and LitCovid. Initially, the title and abstract of the collected literature, published in English from December 2019 to June 2020, will be screened for inclusion which will be followed by a full-text review by two independent reviewers. Data will be charted using a data extraction form and reported in narrative format with accompanying data matrix. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No ethical approval is required for the review. The study will be conducted from June 2020 to May 2021. Results from this scoping review will provide a snapshot of the evidence currently being generated related to integrated health service delivery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs. The findings will be developed into reports and a peer-reviewed article and will assist policy-makers in making pragmatic and evidence-based decisions for current and future pandemic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Neill
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Md Zabir Hasan
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Priyanka Das
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vasuki Venugopal
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | | | - Dinesh Arora
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shivam Gupta
- International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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17
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Aghaji A, Burchett HED, Mathenge W, Faal HB, Umeh R, Ezepue F, Isiyaku S, Kyari F, Wiafe B, Foster A, Gilbert CE. Technical capacities needed to implement the WHO's primary eye care package for Africa: results of a Delphi process. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042979. [PMID: 33741664 PMCID: PMC7986885 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to establish the technical capacities needed to deliver the WHO African Region's primary eye care package in primary healthcare facilities. DESIGN A two-round Delphi exercise was used to obtain expert consensus on the technical complexity of each component of the package and the technical capacities needed to deliver them using Gericke's framework of technical feasibility. The panel comprised nine eyecare experts in primary eyecare in sub-Saharan Africa. In each round panel members used a 4-point Likert scale to indicate their level of agreement. Consensus was predefined as ≥70% agreement on each statement. For round 1, statements on technical complexity were identified through a literature search of primary eyecare in sub-Saharan Africa from January 1980 to April 2018. Statements for which consensus was achieved were included in round 2, and the technical capacities were agreed. RESULTS Technical complexity statements were classified into four broad categories: intervention characteristics, delivery characteristics, government capacity requirements and usage characteristics. 34 of the 38 (89%) statements on health promotion and 40 of the 43 (93%) statements on facility case management were considered necessary technical capacities for implementation. CONCLUSION This study establishes the technical capacities needed to implement the WHO Africa Office primary eye care package, which may be generalisable to countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Aghaji
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nigeria Faculty of Medical Sciences, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Helen E D Burchett
- Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London, UK
| | | | - Hannah Bassey Faal
- African Vision Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Rich Umeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nigeria Faculty of Medical Sciences, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Felix Ezepue
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nigeria Faculty of Medical Sciences, Enugu, Nigeria
| | | | - Fatima Kyari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Allen Foster
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Clare E Gilbert
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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18
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Usman SK, Moosa S, Abdullah AS. Navigating the health system in responding to health workforce challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic: the case of Maldives (short case). Int J Health Plann Manage 2021; 36:182-189. [PMID: 33694207 PMCID: PMC8207061 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Being a small island and low‐middle income country (LMIC) heavily dependent on global markets for sustaining its basic needs and health system, Maldives faced specific challenges during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This was reinforced through tensions between the heavily centralized healthcare delivery and a partially decentralized public health system. Using the pillars of pandemic response proposed by the World Health Organisation, this article explores the planning assumptions, resource estimations and strategies adopted to equip the health system with resources for the pandemic response. The resource need estimates based on projections for COVID‐19 identified a shortfall of medical professionals to care for patients while maintaining 55% of the workforce for regular healthcare across the atolls. The findings show that while the policy of lockdown bought time to increase hospital beds and devices, the country was unable to increase the healthcare workforce. Furthermore, as the lockdown eased, the exponential increase of cases took Maldives to the global one per capita incidence. Despite this, with cautious planning and use of resources, the country has so far managed to maintain low mortality from COVID‐19. The lessons from this experience are paramount in future pandemic response planning, not only for Maldives, but other small island LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofoora Kawsar Usman
- Policy Planning and International Health Division, Ministry of Health, Malé, Maldives
| | - Sheena Moosa
- Research Development Office, The Maldives National University, Malé, Maldives
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19
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Leone M, Ciccacci F, Orlando S, Petrolati S, Guidotti G, Majid NA, Tolno VT, Sagno J, Thole D, Corsi FM, Bartolo M, Marazzi MC. Pandemics and Burden of Stroke and Epilepsy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Experience from a Longstanding Health Programme. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052766. [PMID: 33803352 PMCID: PMC7967260 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Eighty percent of people with stroke live in low- to middle-income nations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where stroke has increased by more than 100% in the last decades. More than one-third of all epilepsy−related deaths occur in SSA. HIV infection is a risk factor for neurological disorders, including stroke and epilepsy. The vast majority of the 38 million people living with HIV/AIDS are in SSA, and the burden of neurological disorders in SSA parallels that of HIV/AIDS. Local healthcare systems are weak. Many standalone HIV health centres have become a platform with combined treatment for both HIV and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), as advised by the United Nations. The COVID-19 pandemic is overwhelming the fragile health systems in SSA, and it is feared it will provoke an upsurge of excess deaths due to the disruption of care for chronic diseases such as HIV, TB, hypertension, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disorders. Disease Relief through Excellent and Advanced Means (DREAM) is a health programme active since 2002 to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS and related disorders in 10 SSA countries. DREAM is scaling up management of NCDs, including neurologic disorders such as stroke and epilepsy. We described challenges and solutions to address disruption and excess deaths from these diseases during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Leone
- The Foundation of the Carlo Besta IRCCS Neurologic Institute, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-2394-2304; Fax: +39-02-2394-4057
| | - Fausto Ciccacci
- UniCamillus Saint Camillus International, University of Health Sciences, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Sandro Petrolati
- San Camillo Hospital Department of Cardioscience, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Guidotti
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Roma 1 Regione Lazio, 00100 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Victor Tamba Tolno
- Community of S. Egidio DREAM Program, Blantyre 312224, Malawi; (V.T.T.); (J.S.)
| | - JeanBaptiste Sagno
- Community of S. Egidio DREAM Program, Blantyre 312224, Malawi; (V.T.T.); (J.S.)
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20
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Smith HJ, Topp SM, Hoffmann CJ, Ndlovu T, Charalambous S, Murray L, Kane J, Sikazwe I, Muyoyeta M, Herce ME. Addressing Common Mental Health Disorders Among Incarcerated People Living with HIV: Insights from Implementation Science for Service Integration and Delivery. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 17:438-449. [PMID: 32779099 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00518-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite evidence of disproportionate burden of HIV and mental health disorders among incarcerated people, scarce services exist to address common mental health disorders, including major depressive and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders, among incarcerated people living with HIV (PLHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This paper aims to summarize current knowledge on mental health interventions of relevance to incarcerated PLHIV and apply implementation science theory to highlight strategies and approaches to deliver mental health services for PLHIV in correctional settings in SSA. RECENT FINDINGS Scarce evidence-based mental health interventions have been rigorously evaluated among incarcerated PLHIV in SSA. Emerging evidence from low- and middle-income countries and correctional settings outside SSA point to a role for cognitive behavioral therapy-based talking and group interventions implemented using task-shifting strategies involving lay health workers and peer educators. Several mental health interventions and implementation strategies hold promise for addressing common mental health disorders among incarcerated PLHIV in SSA. However, to deliver these approaches, there must first be pragmatic efforts to build corrections health system capacity, address human rights abuses that exacerbate HIV and mental health, and re-conceptualize mental health services as integral to quality HIV service delivery and universal access to primary healthcare for all incarcerated people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene J Smith
- Implementation Science Unit, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Christopher J Hoffmann
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Salome Charalambous
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Implementation Science Unit, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Monde Muyoyeta
- Implementation Science Unit, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Michael E Herce
- Implementation Science Unit, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia.
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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21
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Aghaji A, Burchett H, Hameed S, Webster J, Gilbert C. The Technical Feasibility of Integrating Primary Eye Care Into Primary Health Care Systems in Nigeria: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e17263. [PMID: 33107837 PMCID: PMC7655465 DOI: 10.2196/17263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 90% of the 253 million blind or visually impaired people worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries. Lack of access to eye care is why most people remain or become blind. The World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO-AFRO) recently launched a primary eye care (PEC) package for sub-Saharan Africa—the WHO-AFRO PEC package—for integration into the health system at the primary health care (PHC) level. This has the potential to increase access to eye care, but feasibility studies are needed to determine the extent to which the health system has the capacity to deliver the package in PHC facilities. Objective Our objective is to assess the technical feasibility of integrating the WHO-AFRO PEC package in PHC facilities in Nigeria. Methods This study has several components, which include (1) a literature review of PEC in sub-Saharan Africa, (2) a Delphi exercise to reach consensus among experts regarding the technical complexity of the WHO-AFRO PEC package and the capacities needed to deliver it in PHC facilities, (3) development of PEC technical capacity assessment tools, and (4) data collection, including facility surveys and semistructured interviews with PHC staff and their supervisors and village health workers to determine the capacities available to deliver PEC in PHC facilities. Analysis will identify opportunities and the capacity gaps that need to be addressed to deliver PEC. Results Consensus was reached among experts regarding the technical complexity of the WHO-AFRO PEC package and the capacities needed to deliver it as part of PHC. Quantitative tools (ie, structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and observation checklists) and topic guides based on agreed-upon technical capacities have been developed and relevant stakeholders have been identified. Surveys in 48 PHC facilities and interviews with health professionals and supervisors have been undertaken. Capacity gaps are being analyzed. Conclusions This study will determine the capacity of PHC centers to deliver the WHO-AFRO PEC package as an integral part of the health system in Nigeria, with identification of capacity gaps. Although capacity assessments have to be context specific, the tools and findings will assist policy makers and health planners in Nigeria and similar settings, who are considering implementing the package, in making informed choices. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/17263
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Aghaji
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Enugu, Nigeria.,Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Burchett
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shaffa Hameed
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jayne Webster
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Mayhew SH, Warren CE, Ndwiga C, Narasimhan M, Wilcher R, Mutemwa R, Abuya T, Colombini M. Health systems software factors and their effect on the integration of sexual and reproductive health and HIV services. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e711-e720. [PMID: 33010243 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30201-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite a large and growing body of literature on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and HIV integration, the drivers of integration of SRH and HIV services, from a health systems perspective, are not well understood. These drivers include complex so-called hardware (structural and resource) and software (values and norms, and human relations and interactions) factors. Two groups of software factors emerge as essential enablers of effective integration of SRH and HIV services that often interact with systems hardware: (1) leadership, management, and governance processes and (2) provider motivation, agency, and relationships. Evidence suggests the potential for software elements that are essential enablers to overcome some of the obstacles posed by the non-integration of health system hardware elements (eg, financing, guidelines, and commodity supplies). These enabling factors include flexible decision making, inclusive management, and support in motivating frontline staff who can work with agency as a team. Improved software, even within constrained hardware (especially in low-income and middle-income countries), can directly contribute to improved SRH and HIV service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah H Mayhew
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | | | | | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rose Wilcher
- Knowledge Management and Structural Interventions, HIV Unit, FHI 360, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Richard Mutemwa
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Lusaka, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Manuela Colombini
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Trankle SA, Usherwood T, Abbott P, Roberts M, Crampton M, Girgis CM, Riskallah J, Chang Y, Saini J, Reath J. Key stakeholder experiences of an integrated healthcare pilot in Australia: a thematic analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:925. [PMID: 33028299 PMCID: PMC7542969 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05794-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Australia and other developed countries, chronic illness prevalence is increasing, as are costs of healthcare, particularly hospital-based care. Integrating healthcare and supporting illness management in the community can be a means of preventing illness, improving outcomes and reducing unnecessary hospitalisation. Western Sydney has high rates of diabetes, heart and respiratory diseases and the NSW State Ministry of Health funded a range of key strategies through the Western Sydney Integrated Care Program (WSICP) to integrate care across hospital and community settings for patients with these illnesses. Complementing our previously reported analysis related to specific WSICP strategies, this research provided information concerning overall experiences and perspectives of WSICP implementation and integrated care generally. METHODS We administered 125 in-depth interviews in two rounds over 12 months with 83 participants including patients and their carers, care facilitators, hospital specialists and nurses, allied health professionals, general practitioners and primary care nurses, and program managers. Half of the participants (n = 42) were interviewed twice. We conducted an inductive, thematic analysis on the interview transcripts. RESULTS Key themes related to the set-up and operationalising of WSICP; challenges encountered; and the added value of the program. Implementing WSICP was a large and time consuming undertaking but challenges including those with staffing and information technology were being addressed. The WSICP was considered valuable in reducing hospital admissions due to improved patient self-management and a focus on prevention, greater communication and collaboration between healthcare providers across health sectors and an increased capacity to manage chronic illness in the primary care setting. CONCLUSIONS Patients, carers and health providers experienced the WSICP as an innovative integrated care model and valued its patient-centred approach which was perceived to improve access to care, increase patient self-management and illness prevention, and reduce hospital admissions. Long-term sustainability of the WSICP will depend on retaining key staff, more effectively sharing information including across health sectors to support enhanced collaboration, and expanding the suite of activities into other illness areas and locations. Enhanced support for general practices to manage chronic illness in the community, in collaboration with hospital specialists is critical. Timely evaluation informs ongoing program implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Trankle
- Department General Practice, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Building 30.3.18 Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
| | - Tim Usherwood
- Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Western Sydney Local Health District (Westmead Hospital), Sydney, Australia
- George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Penelope Abbott
- Department General Practice, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Building 30.3.18 Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Mary Roberts
- Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Western Sydney Local Health District (Westmead Hospital), Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Christian M Girgis
- Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Western Sydney Local Health District (Westmead Hospital), Sydney, Australia
- Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - John Riskallah
- Western Sydney Local Health District (Blacktown Hospital), Sydney, Australia
| | - Yashu Chang
- Department General Practice, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Building 30.3.18 Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
- Western Sydney Local Health District (Blacktown Hospital), Sydney, Australia
| | - Jaspreet Saini
- Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jennifer Reath
- Department General Practice, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Building 30.3.18 Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
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Court L, Olivier J. Approaches to integrating palliative care into African health systems: a qualitative systematic review. Health Policy Plan 2020; 35:1053-1069. [PMID: 32514556 PMCID: PMC7553764 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czaa026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Africa is characterized by a high burden of disease and health system deficits, with an overwhelming and increasing demand for palliative care (PC). Yet only one African country is currently considered to have advanced integration of palliative care into medical services and generalized PC is said to be available in only a handful of others. The integration of PC into all levels of a health system has been called for to increase access to PC and to strengthen health systems. Contextually appropriate evidence to guide integration is vital yet limited. This qualitative systematic review analyses interventions to integrate PC into African health systems to provide insight into the 'how' of PC integration. Forty articles were identified, describing 51 different interventions. This study found that a variety of integration models are being applied, with limited best practices being evaluated and repeated in other contexts. Interventions typically focused on integrating specialized PC services into individual or multiple health facilities, with only a few examples of PC integrated at a population level. Four identified issues could either promote integration (by being present) or block integration (by their absence). These include the provision of PC at all levels of the health system alongside curative care; the development and presence of sustainable partnerships; health systems and workers that can support integration; and lastly, placing the client, their family and community at the centre of integration. These echo the broader literature on integration of health services generally. There is currently a strong suggestion that the integration of PC contributes to health system strengthening; however, this is not well evidenced in the literature and future interventions would benefit from placing health systems strengthening at the forefront, as well as situating their work within the context of integration of health services more generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Court
- Health Policy and Systems Division, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jill Olivier
- Health Policy and Systems Division, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
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Affiliation(s)
- Seye Abimbola
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Ming DK, Sangkaew S, Chanh HQ, Nhat PTH, Yacoub S, Georgiou P, Holmes AH. Continuous physiological monitoring using wearable technology to inform individual management of infectious diseases, public health and outbreak responses. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 96:648-654. [PMID: 32497806 PMCID: PMC7263257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimal management of infectious diseases is guided by up-to-date information at the individual and public health levels. For infections of global importance, including emerging pandemics such as COVID-19 or prevalent endemic diseases such as dengue, identifying patients at risk of severe disease and clinical deterioration can be challenging, considering that the majority present with a mild illness. In our article, we describe the use of wearable technology for continuous physiological monitoring in healthcare settings. Deployment of wearables in hospital settings for the management of infectious diseases, or in the community to support syndromic surveillance during outbreaks, could provide significant, cost-effective advantages and improve healthcare delivery. We highlight a range of promising technologies employed by wearable devices and discuss the technical and ethical issues relating to implementation in the clinic, focusing on low- and middle- income countries. Finally, we propose a set of essential criteria for the rollout of wearable technology for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien K Ming
- NIHR-Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, UK; Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation (CAMO), Imperial College London, UK.
| | - Sorawat Sangkaew
- NIHR-Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, UK; Department of Family Medicine, Hat Yai Regional Hospital, Thailand
| | - Ho Q Chanh
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Phung T H Nhat
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Sophie Yacoub
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Alison H Holmes
- NIHR-Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, UK; Centre for Antimicrobial Optimisation (CAMO), Imperial College London, UK
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27
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Liang LL. Impact of integrated healthcare: Taiwan’s Family Doctor Plan. Health Policy Plan 2019; 34:ii56-ii66. [DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czz111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Integration of health services has been pursued worldwide. Diversity in integration approaches and in the contexts in which integrated programmes operate, however, hinders comparative analysis of care integration in both high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study evaluates an HIC programme implemented in a delivery system resembling those of LMICs, especially its weak primary care system. The programme, Taiwan’s Family Doctor Plan (FDP), targets high-cost and chronic patients, incorporating key elements of integrated care, viz., case management, multidisciplinary teams and care pathways. This study estimates the effects of shifting from usual to integrated care and locates contextual factors that may distort programme implementation. To estimate programme effects, difference-in-differences analysis is applied to a balanced panel comprising >160 000 patients over 2009–13. Because physician participation is voluntary, a propensity score matching method is used to match providers. The research findings reveal that introduction of the FDP has not reoriented the model of care from fragmented towards integrated health services. It reduces continuity of care and has no effect on co-ordination of care. Regarding quality of care, the FDP is shown to have no effect on avoidable admissions and increases drug injections and emergency department visits. Several contextual factors may serve as barriers that impede elements of FDP from generating desirable outcomes. These include absence of registration and gatekeeping systems; limited capacities of clinics; and preponderance of fee-for-service remuneration. These findings suggest that HIC design elements may not be directly transferrable to settings with weak primary care systems, as is typical of LMIC healthcare. Changes at the system level, such as establishing regular sources of care, may be necessary before elements of integrated care are introduced to a weaker primary care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Lin Liang
- Department of Business Management, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lienhai Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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28
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Jin Y, Wang H, Wang D, Yuan B. Job satisfaction of the primary healthcare providers with expanded roles in the context of health service integration in rural China: a cross-sectional mixed methods study. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2019; 17:70. [PMID: 31477136 PMCID: PMC6720079 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-019-0403-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Against the backdrop of integrating public health services and clinical services at primary healthcare (PHC) institutions, primary healthcare providers (PCPs) have taken on expanded roles. This posed a potential challenge to China as it may directly impact PCPs' workload, income, and perceived work autonomy, thus affecting their job satisfaction. This study aimed to explore the association between the expanded roles and job satisfaction of the PCPs in township healthcare centers (THCs), the rural PHC institutions in China. METHODS A cross-sectional study using mixed methods was conducted in 47 THCs in China's Shandong province. Based on a sample of 1146 PCPs, the association between the proportion of PCPs' working time spent on public health services and PCPs' self-reported job satisfaction was estimated using the logistic regression. Qualitative data were also collected and analyzed to explore the mechanism of how the expanded roles impacted PCPs' job satisfaction. RESULTS One hundred eighty-four physicians and 146 nurses undertook increased work responsibilities, accounting for 15.91% and 12.61% of the total sample. For those spending 40-60%, 60-80%, and more than 80% of the working time providing public health services, the time spent on public health was negatively associated with job satisfaction, with the odds ratio being 0.199 [0.067-0.587], 0.083 [0.025-0.276], and 0.030 [0.007-0.130], respectively. Qualitative analysis illustrated that a majority of the PCPs with expanded roles were dissatisfied with their jobs due to the heavy workload, the mismatch between the income and the workload, and the low level of work autonomy. PCPs' heavier work burden was mainly caused by the current public health service delivery policy and the separation of public health service delivery and regular clinical services delivery, a significant challenge undermining the efforts to better integrate public health services and clinical services at PHC institutions. CONCLUSION The current policies of adding public health service delivery to the PHC system have negative impacts on PCPs' job satisfaction through increased work responsibilities for PCPs, which have led to low work autonomy and the mismatch between the income and the workload. The fundamental reason lies in the fragmented incentives and external supervision for public health service delivery and clinical service delivery. Policy-makers should balance the development of clinic and public health departments at the institutional level and integrate their financing and supervision at the system level so as to strengthen the synergy of public health service provision and routine clinical service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinzi Jin
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Haipeng Wang
- School of Health Care Management, NHC Key Laboratory of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 China
| | - Dan Wang
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Box 505, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Beibei Yuan
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Box 505, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191 China
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Shelley KD, Frumence G, Mpembeni R, Mwinnyaa G, Joachim J, Kisusi HK, Killewo J, Baqui AH, Peters DH, George AS. "Because Even the Person Living With HIV/AIDS Might Need to Make Babies" - Perspectives on the Drivers of Feasibility and Acceptability of an Integrated Community Health Worker Model in Iringa, Tanzania. Int J Health Policy Manag 2019; 8:538-549. [PMID: 31657176 PMCID: PMC6815988 DOI: 10.15171/ijhpm.2019.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Countries with health workforce shortages are increasingly turning to multipurpose community health workers (CHWs) to extend integrated services to the community-level. However, there may be tradeoffs with the number of tasks a CHW can effectively perform before quality and/or productivity decline. This qualitative study was conducted within an existing program in Iringa, Tanzania where HIV-focused CHWs working as volunteers received additional training on maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) promotion, thereby establishing a dual role CHW model. Methods: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the combined HIV/MNCH CHW model, qualitative in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 36 CHWs, 21 supervisors, and 10 program managers were conducted following integration of HIV and MNCH responsibilities (n=67). Thematic analysis explored perspectives on task planning, prioritization and integration, workload, and the feasibility and acceptability of the dual role model. Interview data and field observations were also used to describe implementation differences between HIV and MNCH roles as a basis for further contextualizing the qualitative findings. Results: Perspectives from a diverse set of stakeholders suggested provision of both HIV and MNCH health promotion by CHWs was feasible. Most CHWs attempted to balance HIV/MNCH responsibilities, although some prioritized MNCH tasks. An increased workload from MNCH did not appear to interfere with HIV responsibilities but drew time away from other income-generating activities on which volunteer CHWs rely. Satisfaction with the dual role model hinged on increased community respect, gaining new knowledge/skills, and improving community health, while the remuneration-level caused dissatisfaction, a complaint that could challenge sustainability. Conclusions: Despite extensive literature on integration, little research at the community level exists. This study demonstrated CHWs can feasibly balance HIV and MNCH roles, but not without some challenges related to the heavier workload. Further research is necessary to determine the quality of health promotion in both HIV and MNCH domains, and whether the dual role model can be maintained over time among these volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine D Shelley
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gasto Frumence
- Department of Development Studies, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rose Mpembeni
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - George Mwinnyaa
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Juliana Joachim
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Japhet Killewo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Abdullah H Baqui
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David H Peters
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Asha S George
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Palagyi A, Dodd R, Jan S, Nambiar D, Joshi R, Tian M, Abimbola S, Peiris D. Organisation of primary health care in the Asia-Pacific region: developing a prioritised research agenda. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001467. [PMID: 31478022 PMCID: PMC6703300 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Health system planners in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) of the Asia-Pacific region seeking to reorient primary health care (PHC) systems to achieve universal health coverage may be hindered by lack of knowledge of what works in their setting. With limited resources for research available, it is important to identify evidence-based strategies for reorganising PHC delivery, determine where relevant evidence gaps exist and prioritise these for future study. This paper describes an approach for doing this using the best available evidence combined with consultation to establish evidence priorities. We first reviewed PHC organisational interventions in Asia-Pacific LMICs and ascertained evidence gaps. The largest gaps related to interventions to promote access to essential medicines, patient management tools, effective health promotion strategies and service planning and accountability. Evidence from Pacific Island countries was particularly scant. We then engaged an expert panel of 22 PHC stakeholders from seven Asia-Pacific LMICs in a Delphi exercise to identify priority questions for future research. Research priorities were: (1) identifying effective PHC service delivery models for chronic diseases; (2) devising sustainable models of disease integration; (3) optimising task shifting; (4) understanding barriers to care continuity; (5) projecting future PHC needs; and (6) designing appropriate PHC service packages. Notably, stakeholder-determined priorities reflected large, context-dependent system issues, while evidence gaps centred on discrete interventions. Future research on the organisation of PHC services in Asia-Pacific LMICs should incorporate codesign principles to engage researchers and national PHC system stakeholders, and innovative methods that build on existing evidence and account for system complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Palagyi
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Dodd
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Jan
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Devaki Nambiar
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rohina Joshi
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
| | - Maoyi Tian
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Beijing, China
| | - Seye Abimbola
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Peiris
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Thornicroft G, Ahuja S, Barber S, Chisholm D, Collins PY, Docrat S, Fairall L, Lempp H, Niaz U, Ngo V, Patel V, Petersen I, Prince M, Semrau M, Unützer J, Yueqin H, Zhang S. Integrated care for people with long-term mental and physical health conditions in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet Psychiatry 2019; 6:174-186. [PMID: 30449711 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(18)30298-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Integrated care is defined as health services that are managed and delivered such that people receive a continuum of health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, disease management, rehabilitation, and palliative care services, coordinated across the different levels and sites of care within and beyond the health sector and, according to their needs, throughout the life course. In this Review, we describe the most relevant concepts and models of integrated care for people with chronic (or recurring) mental illness and comorbid physical health conditions, provide a conceptual overview and a narrative review of the strength of the evidence base for these models in high-income countries and in low-income and middle-income countries, and identify opportunities to test the feasibility and effects of such integrated care models. We discuss the rationale for integrating care for people with mental disorders into chronic care; the models of integrated care; the evidence of the effects of integrating care in high-income countries and in low-income and middle-income countries; the key organisational challenges to implementing integrated chronic care in low-income and middle-income countries; and the practical steps to realising a vision of integrated care in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Thornicroft
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Shalini Ahuja
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Sarah Barber
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel Chisholm
- Division for Non-Communicable Diseases and Promoting Health through the Life-Course, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pamela Y Collins
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sumaiyah Docrat
- Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lara Fairall
- Knowledge Translation Unit, University of Cape Town Lung Institute, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heidi Lempp
- School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Unaiza Niaz
- University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan; Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Vicky Ngo
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Vikram Patel
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Sangath, Porvorim, Goa, India; Centre for Chronic Conditions and Injuries, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Inge Petersen
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Martin Prince
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maya Semrau
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Global Health and Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Jürgen Unützer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Huang Yueqin
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Centre for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Integration between Primary Health Care and Emergency Services in Brazil: Barriers and Facilitators. Int J Integr Care 2018; 18:8. [PMID: 30498404 PMCID: PMC6251068 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.4066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Characteristics of primary health care and emergency services may hamper their integration and, therefore, reduce the quality of care and the effectiveness of health systems. This study aims to identify and analyse policy, structural and organizational aspects of healthcare services that may affect the integration between primary health and emergency care networks. Theory and Methods: We conducted a qualitative research study based on grounded theory that included: (1) interviews with 30 health care leaders; and (2) documental analysis of the summaries of Regional Interagency Committee meetings from two regions in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Results: The integration between primary health and emergency care network is inefficient. The barriers that contributed to this situation are as follows: (1) policy: the municipal health department is responsible for providing primary health care and the regional health department provides emergency care, but there is a lack of space for the integration of services; (2) structural: distinct criteria for planning mechanisms; and (3) organizational: ineffective point of interaction between different levels of the health system. Conclusions and discussion: Our findings have implications for health management and planning in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) with suggestions for interventions for overcoming the aforementioned barriers.
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Zakumumpa H, Rujumba J, Kwiringira J, Kiplagat J, Namulema E, Muganzi A. Understanding the persistence of vertical (stand-alone) HIV clinics in the health system in Uganda: a qualitative synthesis of patient and provider perspectives. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:690. [PMID: 30185191 PMCID: PMC6126041 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3500-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although there is mounting evidence and policy guidance urging the integration of HIV services into general health systems in countries with a high HIV burden, vertical (stand-alone) HIV clinics are still common in Uganda. We sought to describe the specific contexts underpinning the endurance of vertical HIV clinics in Uganda. Methods A qualitative research design was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the heads of HIV clinics, clinicians and facility in-charges (n = 78), coupled with eight focus group discussions (64 participants) with patients from 16 health facilities purposively selected, from a nationally-representative sample of 195 health facilities across Uganda, because they run stand-alone HIV clinics. Data were analyzed by thematic approach as guided by the theory proposed by Shediac-Rizkallah & Bone (1998) which identifies; Intervention characteristics, organizational context, and broader environment factors as potentially influential on health programme sustainability. Results Intervention characteristics: Provider stigma was reported to have been widespread in the integrated care experience of participating health facilities which necessitated the establishment of stand-alone HIV clinics. HIV disease management was described as highly specialized which necessitated a dedicated workforce and vertical HIV infrastructure such as counselling rooms. Organizational context: Participating health facilities reported health-system capacity constraints in implementing integrated systems of care due to a shortage of ART-proficient personnel and physical space, a lack of laboratory capacity to concurrently conduct HIV and non-HIV tests and increased workloads associated with implementing integrated care. Broader environment factors: Escalating HIV client loads and external HIV funding architectures were perceived to have perpetuated verticalized HIV programming over the past decade. Conclusion Our study offers in-depth, contextualized insights into the factors contributing to the endurance of vertical HIV clinics in Uganda. Our analysis suggests that there is a complex interaction in supply-side constraints (shortage of ART-proficient personnel, increased workloads, laboratory capacity deficiencies) and demand-side factors (escalating demand for HIV services, psychosocial barriers to HIV care) as well as the specialized nature of HIV disease management which pose challenges to the integrated-health services agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Zakumumpa
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Joseph Rujumba
- School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Edith Namulema
- Home care and counselling department, Mengo Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Muganzi
- The Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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