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Shan D, Li Z, Wang C. New four year direct entry medical degree: prudence is needed. BMJ 2024; 386:q1598. [PMID: 39025503 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q1598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Shan
- Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Zhengrui Li
- Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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McManus PT. Is the 1948 model of access to free healthcare still appropriate today? J R Soc Med 2023; 116:437-440. [PMID: 38054401 PMCID: PMC10850871 DOI: 10.1177/01410768231216434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Terence McManus
- Belfast Trust, Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency, Belfast BT8 7RL, UK
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Park I, Lee K, Yim E. Does Maintained Medical Aid Coverage Affect Healthy Lifestyle Factors, Metabolic Syndrome-Related Health Status, and Individuals' Use of Healthcare Services? Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1811. [PMID: 37444645 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11131811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Concerns about the moral hazards and usage of universal health insurance require examination. This study aimed to analyze changes in lifestyle, metabolic syndrome-related health status, and individuals' tendency to use healthcare services according to changes in the eligibility status of medical aid recipients. This paper reports a retrospective cohort study that involved analyzing data from 2366 medical aid recipients aged 40 years or older who underwent national health screenings in 2012 and 2014. Of the recipients, 1606 participants continued to be eligible for medical aid (the "maintained" group) and 760 changed from being medical aid recipients to National Health Insurance (NHI) enrollees (the "changed" group). Compared to the "changed" group, the "maintained" group was less likely to quit smoking, more likely to begin smoking, less likely to reduce binge drinking to moderate drinking, and had a significant increase in blood glucose and waist circumference. Annual total medical expenses also increased significantly in the "maintained" group. Since the mere strengthening of healthcare coverage may lead to moral hazards and the failure to link individuals' tendency to use healthcare services and outcomes, establishing mechanisms is necessary to educate people about the health-related outcomes of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and ensure the appropriate use of healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilsu Park
- Department of Healthcare Management, Dong-eui University, 176 Eomgwang-ro, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyounga Lee
- College of Nursing, Gachon University, 191 Hambangmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunshil Yim
- Department of Nursing, Daegu Health College, 15 Yeongsong-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41453, Republic of Korea
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Matahela SR, Adekola AP, Mavhandu-Mudzusi AH. Exploring quality standards implementation at a South African municipality's health facilities. Curationis 2023; 46:e1-e9. [PMID: 37403664 PMCID: PMC10483883 DOI: 10.4102/curationis.v46i1.2416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite government initiatives to ensure the delivery of safe and high-quality care in health establishments, most health establishments in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa were non-compliant with the National Core Standards. This study explored the experiences of quality assurance managers regarding quality standards implementation in these establishments. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore and describe factors affecting the implementation of quality standards at public health facilities based on quality assurance managers' lived experiences in the research setting. METHOD This qualitative study used phenomenological design by conducting individual in-depth interviews with nine purposively selected quality assurance managers in 2021. The collected data were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis framework. RESULTS The study's findings revealed that the legislative framework and the policy environment were motivators for quality standard compliance among the participants. Furthermore, human resources, materials-related issues and poor infrastructure were found to be barriers to the implementation of quality standards in health facilities. CONCLUSION The explored and described barriers must be addressed to improve compliance with the National Core Standards at public health facilities in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. In addition, capacity-building for quality assurance managers should be ongoing to ensure the highest quality implementation standards and to strengthen the enforcement of quality standard regulations.Contribution: The study's findings explored and described the factors that influence the implementation of quality standards. Addressing these factors could improve the quality of healthcare delivery in the research setting's health facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seani R Matahela
- Department of Health Studies, College of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria.
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Haregu TN, Alemayehu YK, Alemu YA, Medhin G, Woldegiorgis MA, Fentaye FW, Gerbaba MJ, Teklu AM. Disparities in the implementation of the Health Extension Program in Ethiopia: Doing more and better towards universal health coverage. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2022; 1:100047. [PMID: 38515918 PMCID: PMC10953949 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2022.100047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Large-scale implementation of the Health Extension Program (HEP) has enabled Ethiopia to make significant progress in health services coverage and health outcomes. However, evidence on equity and disparities in the implementation of the HEP is limited. The aim of this study was to examine disparities in the implementation of the HEP in Ethiopia. Methods We used data from the 2019 National HEP assessment which was conducted between Oct 2018 and Sept 2019 in nine regions in the country. Data were collected from 62 districts, 343 Health posts, 179 Health centres, 584 Health Extension Workers (HEWs), and 7043 women from 7122 Households. This study focused on selected input, service delivery, and coverage indicators. We used rate differences, rate ratios and index of disparity to assess disparities in HEP implementation across regions. Results We found wide inter-regional disparities in HEP implementation. Developing regional states (DRS) had significantly lower availability of qualified HEWs (Rate Ratio (RR) = 0.54), proportion of households visited by Health Extension workers (RR = 0.40), and proportion of mothers who received education on child nutrition (RR = 0.45) as compared national average. There were also significant disparities in HEP implementation among DRS in the proportion of households visited by HEWs in the past 12 months (Index of disparity = 1.58) and proportion of adolescents who interacted with HEWs (Index of disparity = 1.43). Despite low overall coverage of health services in DRS, the contribution of the HEP for maternal health services was relatively high. Conclusion There were significant inter-regional disparities in the implementation HEP in Ethiopia. The level of disparity among DRS was also remarkable. To achieve Universal Health Coverage, it is important that these disparities are addressed systematically and strategically. We recommend a tailored approach in HEP implementation in DRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilahun Nigatu Haregu
- The MERQ Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Girmay Medhin
- The MERQ Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
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Gamessa TW, Abebe ST, Abate LD, Abo MK, Mekonnen AA, Tadesse ZK, Woyesa AF, Obse RB, Ibrahim MA, Simegn GL. Planning and Budgeting of Medical Devices Among Ethiopian Public Hospitals. CLINICOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 14:405-413. [PMID: 35615660 PMCID: PMC9126157 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s363376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Planning and budgeting of medical devices allow a healthcare institution to properly use funds, acquire quality and efficient medical devices, and improve healthcare service delivery. The lack of proper policy in the procurement and management of medical devices causes inappropriate usage of funds and impedes the quality of a product. This study aimed to identify the current practices and gaps in the planning and budgeting of medical devices in Ethiopian public hospitals. In this study, an assessment was conducted in all regional public hospitals to assess the current status of medical device management, identify the gaps, and provide suggestions for areas of improvement. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for the study assessment where a structured data collection tool was utilized to collect data. A multi-stage stratified random sampling proportionate to size technique was employed for the sampling of public hospitals in all regions of Ethiopia. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Results The availability of medical equipment development plans, budgeting, and spare parts procurement plans were found to be below 50% in public hospitals. It was also noted that 40.3% of hospitals do not prepare medical device technical specifications during procurement orders. Moreover, the engagement of biomedical engineers/technicians in the planning and procurement of medical devices was found to be below 50%. Conclusion This assessment showed that there is a need for improvement in the development of procurement plans and preparation of technical specifications for medical devices in Ethiopian public hospitals. Developing policies and strategies for the proper use of funds in the procurement of medical devices, involving biomedical engineering professionals in the planning, procurement and use of medical devices could help to improve the quality, optimized utilization and efficiency of medical devices and ultimately enhance healthcare service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel Tadesse Abebe
- Pharmaceticals and Medical Equipment Directorate, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Lemlem Degafu Abate
- Pharmaceticals and Medical Equipment Directorate, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Megersa Kebede Abo
- Pharmaceticals and Medical Equipment Directorate, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alemu Abibi Mekonnen
- Pharmaceticals and Medical Equipment Directorate, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Zerihun Ketema Tadesse
- Pharmaceticals and Medical Equipment Directorate, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Addisu Fayera Woyesa
- Pharmaceticals and Medical Equipment Directorate, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Regasa Bayisa Obse
- Pharmaceticals and Medical Equipment Directorate, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mahdi Abdella Ibrahim
- Pharmaceticals and Medical Equipment Directorate, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Hu X, Wang P. Has China's Healthcare Reform Reduced the Number of Patients in Large General Hospitals? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5428. [PMID: 35564824 PMCID: PMC9104654 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have shown that the new round of healthcare reform launched by the Chinese government in 2009 has not effectively solved the problem in which patients more readily choose large general hospitals. We aimed to find out if this situation exists in every department of a large general hospital. This study collected the outpatient data of 24 departments for a large general hospital in Beijing. By calculating the average growth rate of outpatients in each department from 2014 to 2019, and the utilization rate of outpatient appointments in different departments in 2020, we found that the average growth rate of outpatients in 4 departments (16.6%) was negative, and the utilization rate of outpatient appointments in 13 departments (54.16%) was less than 80%. This shows that the number of patients in some departments is declining, and that there is an inefficient use of doctor resources. Obviously, this is inconsistent with people's current beliefs. Therefore, it is not entirely true that China's healthcare reform has not reduced the number of patients in large general hospitals. At the same time, the inefficient use of outpatient doctor resources is a phenomenon worthy of attention; if it persists, it will result in significant waste in the healthcare system. We suggest that policy makers and hospital managers in China, and countries similar to China, can attract attention and take measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ping Wang
- Medical Affairs Department, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China;
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Jaca A, Malinga T, Iwu-Jaja CJ, Nnaji CA, Okeibunor JC, Kamuya D, Wiysonge CS. Strengthening the Health System as a Strategy to Achieving a Universal Health Coverage in Underprivileged Communities in Africa: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:587. [PMID: 35010844 PMCID: PMC8744844 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Universal health coverage (UHC) is defined as people having access to quality healthcare services (e.g., treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care) they need, irrespective of their financial status. Access to quality healthcare services continues to be a challenge for many people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review to map out the health system strengthening strategies that can be used to attain universal health coverage in Africa. We conducted a scoping review and qualitatively synthesized existing evidence from studies carried out in Africa. We included studies that reported interventions to strengthen the health system, e.g., financial support, increasing work force, improving leadership capacity in health facilities, and developing and upgrading infrastructure of primary healthcare facilities. Outcome measures included health facility infrastructures, access to medicines, and sources of financial support. A total of 34 studies conducted met our inclusion criteria. Health financing and developing health infrastructure were the most reported interventions toward achieving UHC. Our results suggest that strengthening the health system, namely, through health financing, developing, and improving the health infrastructure, can play an important role in reaching UHC in the African context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anelisa Jaca
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (T.M.); (C.A.N.); (C.S.W.)
| | - Thobile Malinga
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (T.M.); (C.A.N.); (C.S.W.)
| | - Chinwe Juliana Iwu-Jaja
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 8000, South Africa;
| | - Chukwudi Arnest Nnaji
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (T.M.); (C.A.N.); (C.S.W.)
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | | | - Dorcas Kamuya
- Department of Health Systems and Research Ethics, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi 43640-00100, Kenya;
| | - Charles Shey Wiysonge
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; (T.M.); (C.A.N.); (C.S.W.)
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
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Soares Filho AM, Vasconcelos CH, Dias AC, Souza ACCD, Merchan-Hamann E, Silva MRFD. Atenção Primária à Saúde no Norte e Nordeste do Brasil: mapeando disparidades na distribuição de equipes. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2022; 27:377-386. [DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232022271.39342020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Objetiva-se analisar o padrão espacial de implantação de equipes da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) no Norte e Nordeste do Brasil em 2017. Estudo ecológico das taxas de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (ACS), equipes Saúde da Família (eSF), equipes Saúde Bucal (eSB) e Núcleo Ampliado de Saúde da Família (NASF), a partir de dados do Ministério da saúde (MS). A análise dos dados de área permitiu a identificação de padrões de dependência espacial dos municípios para as taxas, utilizando os índices e mapas de Moran para visualizar clusters de áreas críticas (95% de confiança). Os municípios do Norte (n=450) e Nordeste (n=1.794) apresentaram 132,2 mil ACS, 18,4 mil eSF, 13 mil eSB e 2,2 mil NASF. A proporção de municípios com taxas dentro do preconizado pelo MS: ACS (>1,33/mil) 96% no Norte e 98,5% no Nordeste; eSF (>2,9/10 mil) 54% e 80% nas respectivas regiões; eSB (>2,9/10 mil) 28% e 59% nestas respectivas regiões. Equipes NASF foram implantadas em 70% do Norte e 89% do Nordeste. Exceto ACS, a região Norte constituiu-se em área crítica de equipes, principalmente no Pará, Rondônia, Amazonas e Amapá. No Nordeste, essas áreas foram menores e concentradas a oeste da Bahia e leste do Maranhão. O Nordeste exibiu melhor composição de equipes e menor extensão de áreas críticas.
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Vongmongkol V, Viriyathorn S, Wanwong Y, Wangbanjongkun W, Tangcharoensathien V. Annual prevalence of unmet healthcare need in Thailand: evidence from national household surveys between 2011 and 2019. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:244. [PMID: 34772404 PMCID: PMC8588591 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01578-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Extending Universal Health Coverage (UHC) requires identifying and addressing unmet healthcare need and its causes to improve access to essential health services. Unmet need is a useful monitoring indicator to verify if low incidence of catastrophic health spending is not a result of foregone services due to unmet needs. This study assesses the trend, between 2011 and 2019, of prevalence and reasons of unmet healthcare need and identifies population groups who had unmet needs. Method The unmet healthcare need module in the Health and Welfare Survey (HWS) 2011–2019 was used for analysis. HWS is a nationally representative household survey conducted by the National Statistical Office biennially. There are more than 60,000 respondents in each round of survey. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) standard questions on unmet need and reasons behind were applied for outpatient (OP), inpatient (IP) and dental services in the past 12 months. Data from samples were weighted to represent the Thai population. Univariate analysis was applied to assess unmet need across socioeconomic profiles. Results The annual prevalence of unmet need between 2011 and 2019 was lower than 3%. The prevalence was 1.3–1.6% for outpatient services, 0.9% - 1.1% for dental services, and lower than 0.2% for inpatient care. A small increasing trend was observed on dental service unmet need, from 0.9% in 2011 to 1.1% in 2019. The poor, the elderly and people living in urban areas had higher unmet needs than their counterparts. Long waiting times was the main reason for unmet need, while cost of treatment was not an issue. Conclusion The low level of unmet need at less than 3% was lower than OECD average (28%), and was the result of UHC since 2002. Regular monitoring using the national representative household survey to estimate annual prevalence and reasons for unmet need can guide policy to sustain and improve access by certain population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vuthiphan Vongmongkol
- International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Shaheda Viriyathorn
- International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
| | - Yaowaluk Wanwong
- International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
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Akintayo-Usman NO, Usman SO. Comparative analysis of ageing in Nigeria and United Kingdom using life course approach: the implication for the Nursing profession in Nigeria. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 38:411. [PMID: 34381555 PMCID: PMC8325470 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.38.411.22272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The population of Nigerian older persons is expected to reach 26 million by 2050 from 9 million reported in 2016. This population change has several implications, thus the need to pay attention to healthy ageing. Hence, this report aims to compare ageing and its facilitators in Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK). The life course theory was used to explore the influence of early life factors and experiences on ageing. Unlike the UK, little attention is given to the care of Nigerian older persons. Therefore, Nigerian stakeholders must design and implement a comprehensive policy on healthy ageing. Also, there is an urgent need for training nurses to meet this demand as it arises.
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Bagonza A, Peterson S, Mårtensson A, Wamani H, Awor P, Mutto M, Musoke D, Gibson L, Kitutu FE. Regulatory inspection of registered private drug shops in East-Central Uganda-what it is versus what it should be: a qualitative study. J Pharm Policy Pract 2020; 13:55. [PMID: 32944257 PMCID: PMC7488315 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-020-00265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regulatory inspection of private drug shops in Uganda is a mandate of the Ministry of Health carried out by the National Drug Authority. This study evaluated how this mandate is being carried out at national, district, and drug shop levels. Specifically, perspectives on how the inspection is done, who does it, and challenges faced were sought from inspectors and drug sellers. Methods Six key informant interviews (KIIs) were held with inspectors at the national and district level, while eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among nursing assistants, and two FGDs were held with nurses. The study appraised current methods of inspecting drug sellers against national professional guidelines for licensing and renewal of class C drug shops in Uganda. Transcripts were managed using Atlas ti version 7 (ATLAS.ti GmbH, Berlin) data management software where the thematic content analysis was done. Results Five themes emerged from the study: authoritarian inspection, delegated inspection, licensing, training, and bribes. Under authoritarian inspection, drug sellers decried the high handedness used by inspectors when found with expired or no license at all. For delegated inspection, drug sellers said that sometimes, inspectors send health assistants and sub-county chiefs for inspection visits. This cadre of people is not recognized by law as inspectors. Inspectors trained drug sellers on how to organize their drug shops better and how to use new technologies such as rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in diagnosing malaria. Bribes were talked about mostly by nursing assistants who purported that inspectors were not interested in inspection per se but collecting illicit payments from them. Inspectors said that the facilitation they received from the central government were inadequate for a routine inspection. Conclusion The current method of inspecting drug sellers is harsh and instills fear among drug sellers. There is a need to establish a well-recognized structure of inspection as well as establish channels of dialogue between inspectors and drug sellers if meaningful compliance is to be achieved. The government also needs to enhance both human and financial resources if meaningful inspection of drug sellers is to take place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Bagonza
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stefan Peterson
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,International Maternal and Child Health Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andreas Mårtensson
- International Maternal and Child Health Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Henry Wamani
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Phyllis Awor
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Milton Mutto
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Musoke
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Linda Gibson
- School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Freddy Eric Kitutu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Tao W, Zeng Z, Dang H, Lu B, Chuong L, Yue D, Wen J, Zhao R, Li W, Kominski GF. Towards universal health coverage: lessons from 10 years of healthcare reform in China. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e002086. [PMID: 32257400 PMCID: PMC7103824 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-002086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Universal health coverage (UHC) is driving the global health agenda. Many countries have embarked on national policy reforms towards this goal, including China. In 2009, the Chinese government launched a new round of healthcare reform towards UHC, aiming to provide universal coverage of basic healthcare by the end of 2020. The year of 2019 marks the 10th anniversary of China’s most recent healthcare reform. Sharing China’s experience is especially timely for other countries pursuing reforms to achieve UHC. This study describes the social, economic and health context in China, and then reviews the overall progress of healthcare reform (1949 to present), with a focus on the most recent (2009) round of healthcare reform. The study comprehensively analyses key reform initiatives and major achievements according to four aspects: health insurance system, drug supply and security system, medical service system and public health service system. Lessons learnt from China may have important implications for other nations, including continued political support, increased health financing and a strong primary healthcare system as basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Tao
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi Zeng
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haixia Dang
- Research Center of Tradtional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bingqing Lu
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linh Chuong
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dahai Yue
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jin Wen
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of drug policy and evaluation research, China National Health Development Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Weimin Li
- President's Office, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gerald F Kominski
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California, USA.,UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Bresick G, Christians F, Makwero M, Besigye I, Malope S, Dullie L. Primary health care performance: a scoping review of the current state of measurement in Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001496. [PMID: 31565424 PMCID: PMC6747918 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Countries with strong primary healthcare (PHC) report better health outcomes, fewer hospital admissions and lower expenditure. People-centred care that delivers essential elements of primary care (PC) leads to improved health outcomes and reduced costs and disparities. Such outcomes underscore the need for validated instruments that measure the extent to which essential, evidence-based features of PC are available and applied to users; and to ensure quality care and provider accountability. METHODS A systematic scoping review method was used to identify peer-reviewed African studies and grey literature on PC performance measurement. The service delivery dimension in the Primary Healthcare Performance Initiative conceptual framework was used to identify key measurable components of PC. RESULTS The review identified 19 African studies and reports that address measuring elements of PC performance. 13 studies included eight nationally validated performance measuring instruments. Of the eight, the South African and Malawian versions of Primary Care Assessment Tool measured service delivery comprehensively and involved PC user, provider and manager stakeholders. CONCLUSION 40 years after Alma Ata and despite strong evidence for people-centred care, significant gaps remain regarding use of validated instruments to measure PC performance in Africa; few validated instruments have been used. Agreement on indicators, fit-for-purpose validated instruments and harmonising existing instruments is needed. Rigorous performance-based research is necessary to inform policy, resource allocation, practice and health worker training; and to ensure access to high quality care in a universal health coverage (UHC) system-research with potential to promote socially responsive, accountable PHC in the true spirit of the Alma Ata and Astana Declarations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Bresick
- School of Public Health & Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Felicia Christians
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Martha Makwero
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Innocent Besigye
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sebaka Malope
- Lesotho Family Medicine Specialty Training Program, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Luckson Dullie
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
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Ruiz M, Hu Y, Martikainen P, Bobak M. Life course socioeconomic position and incidence of mid-late life depression in China and England: a comparative analysis of CHARLS and ELSA. J Epidemiol Community Health 2019; 73:817-824. [PMID: 31255999 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2019-212216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the growing prevalence of depression in the Chinese elderly, there is conflicting evidence of life course socioeconomic position (SEP) and depression onset in China, and whether this association is akin to that observed in Western societies. We compared incident risk of mid-late life depression by childhood and adulthood SEP in China and England, a country where mental health inequality is firmly established. METHODS Depression-free participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N=8508) and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (N=6184) were studied over 4 years. Depressive symptoms were classified as incident cases using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale criteria. Associations between SEP (education, wealth, residence ownership and childhood/adolescent deprivation) and depression symptom onset were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. In China, we also investigated children's government employment status as a SEP marker. RESULTS Higher education and wealth predicted lower incidence of depression in both countries. The association with non-ownership of residence appeared stronger in England (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.41 to 1.86) than in China (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.29), while that with childhood/adolescent deprivation was stronger in China (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.29 - 1.60) than in England (HR 1.33, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.92). Chinese adults whose children were employed in high-status government jobs, had lower rates of depression onset. CONCLUSIONS Consistent findings from China and England demonstrate that SEP is a pervasive determinant of mid-late life depression in very diverse social contexts. Together with conventional measures of SEP, the SEP of children also affects the mental health of older Chinese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milagros Ruiz
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Yaoyue Hu
- Laboratory of Population Health, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
| | - Pekka Martikainen
- Laboratory of Population Health, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany.,Population Research Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Centre for Health Equity Studies (CHESS), Stockholm University and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Bobak
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
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