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Li Z, Ma Z. Construction and Scale Development of Willingness to Utilize Primary Care Services: A Study from China. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:2171-2185. [PMID: 37881168 PMCID: PMC10595177 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s428369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The willingness to utilize primary care services is crucial in explaining residents' healthcare-seeking behavior and decision-making in the context of the free choice of healthcare providers. This study examines China's family doctor contracting services system to elucidate the conceptual structure of the willingness to utilize primary care services and develop a reliable measurement tool. Methods The study was conducted in two phases. Firstly, in-depth interviews were conducted with community residents, resulting in 42 qualitative data sets. Subsequently, a measurement scale for the willingness to utilize family doctor contracting services was developed, and the scale was validated through two surveys using exploratory factor analysis (N = 250) and confirmatory factor analysis (N = 278), respectively. Results By employing a grounded theory approach, this study analyzes the connotation of willingness to utilize family doctor contracting services. It constructs a conceptual framework for the willingness to utilize primary care services. This conceptual framework consists of three dimensions: perceived feasibility, perceived desirability, and perceived initiative. Based on this framework, a measurement scale comprising 14 items was developed and subjected to rigorous validation procedures to ensure its reliability and validity. Conclusion This study extends prior research on healthcare service utilization willingness by elucidating the internal willingness structure for primary healthcare services. It enhances our understanding of the connotation of healthcare service utilization willingness and develops a scientifically rigorous measurement tool. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into improving both the willingness and behavior of utilizing primary care services in healthcare systems where the hierarchical referral system still needs to be fully developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Li
- School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Ma
- School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, People’s Republic of China
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Mantell JE, Zech JM, Masvawure TB, Assefa T, Molla M, Block L, Duguma D, Yirsaw Z, Rabkin M. Implementing six multi-month dispensing of antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia: perspectives of clients and healthcare workers. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:563. [PMID: 37259098 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09549-7] [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: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multi-month dispensing (MMD) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is an integral component of differentiated HIV service delivery for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Although many countries have scaled up ART dispensing to 3-month intervals, Ethiopia was the first African country to implement six-month dispensing (6-MMD) at scale, introducing its Appointment Spacing Model (ASM) for people doing well on ART in 2017. As of June 2021, 51.4% (n = 215,101) of PLHIV on ART aged ≥ 15 years had enrolled in ASM. Since little is known about the benefits and challenges of ASM perceived by Ethiopian clients and their healthcare workers (HCWs), we explored how the ASM was being implemented in Ethiopia's Oromia region in September 2019. METHODS Using a parallel convergent mixed-methods study design, we conducted 6 focus groups with ASM-eligible enrolled clients, 6 with ASM-eligible non-enrolled clients, and 22 in-depth interviews with HCWs. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated into English. We used thematic analysis, initially coding deductively, followed by inductive coding of themes that emerged from the data, and compared the perspectives of ASM-enrolled and non-enrolled clients and their HCWs. RESULTS Participants enrolled in ASM and HCWs perceived client-level ASM benefits to include time and cost-savings, fewer work disruptions, reduced stigma due to fewer clinic visits, better medication adherence and improved overall health. Perceived health system-level benefits included improved quality of care, decongested facilities, reduced provider workloads, and improved record-keeping. Although non-enrolled participants anticipated many of the same benefits, their reasons for non-enrollment included medication storage challenges, concerns over less frequent health monitoring, and increased stress due to the large quantities of medicines dispensed. Enrolled participants and HCWs identified similar challenges, including client misunderstandings about ASM and initial ART stock-outs. CONCLUSIONS ASM with 6-MMD was perceived to have marked benefits for clients and health systems. Clients enrolled in the ASM and their HCWs had positive experiences with the model, including perceived improvements in efficiency, quality and convenience of HIV treatment services. The concerns of non-ASM enrolled participants suggest the need for enhanced client education about the model and more discreet and efficiently packaged ART and highlight that ASM is not ideal for all clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E Mantell
- New York State Psychiatric Institute and Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Gender, Sexuality and Health Area, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America.
| | - Jennifer M Zech
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Tsitsi B Masvawure
- Health Studies Program, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Laura Block
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | | | - Miriam Rabkin
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
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Petrazzuoli F, Collins C, Van Poel E, Tatsioni A, Streit S, Bojaj G, Asenova R, Hoffmann K, Gabrani J, Klemenc-Ketis Z, Rochfort A, Adler L, Windak A, Nessler K, Willems S. Differences between Rural and Urban Practices in the Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Outcomes from the PRICOV-19 Study in 38 Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3674. [PMID: 36834369 PMCID: PMC9958860 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper explores the differences between rural and urban practices in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing aspects such as management of patient flow, infection prevention and control, information processing, communication and collaboration. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected through the online PRICOV-19 questionnaire sent to general practices in 38 countries. Rural practices in our sample were smaller than urban-based practices. They reported an above-average number of old and multimorbid patients and a below-average number of patients with a migrant background or financial problems. Rural practices were less likely to provide leaflets and information, but were more likely to have ceased using the waiting room or to have made structural changes to their waiting room and to have changed their prescribing practices in terms of patients attending the practices. They were less likely to perform video consultations or use electronic prescription methods. Our findings show the existence of certain issues that could impact patient safety in rural areas more than in urban areas due to the underlying differences in population profile and supports. These could be used to plan the organization of care for similar future pandemic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Petrazzuoli
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Centre for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, 21428 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Claire Collins
- Research Centre, Irish College of General Practitioners, D02 XR68 Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Esther Van Poel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Athina Tatsioni
- Research Unit for General Medicine and Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Sven Streit
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gazmend Bojaj
- Department of Management of Health Services and Institution, Heimerer College, 1000 Pristina, Kosovo
| | - Radost Asenova
- Department of Urology and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University Plovdiv, 4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kathryn Hoffmann
- Department of Social- and Preventive Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jonila Gabrani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Zalika Klemenc-Ketis
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Tabroska 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Poljanski Nasip 58, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Ljubljana Community Health Centre, Metelkova 9, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrée Rochfort
- Research Centre, Irish College of General Practitioners, D02 XR68 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Limor Adler
- Department of Family Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6195001, Israel
| | - Adam Windak
- Department of Family Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-061 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Nessler
- Department of Family Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-061 Krakow, Poland
| | - Sara Willems
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Van Poel E, Collins C, Groenewegen P, Spreeuwenberg P, Bojaj G, Gabrani J, Mallen C, Murauskiene L, Šantrić Milićević M, Schaubroeck E, Stark S, Willems S. The Organization of Outreach Work for Vulnerable Patients in General Practice during COVID-19: Results from the Cross-Sectional PRICOV-19 Study in 38 Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3165. [PMID: 36833862 PMCID: PMC9960761 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected vulnerable populations' access to health care. By proactively reaching out to them, general practices attempted to prevent the underutilization of their services. This paper examined the association between practice and country characteristics and the organization of outreach work in general practices during COVID-19. Linear mixed model analyses with practices nested in countries were performed on the data of 4982 practices from 38 countries. A 4-item scale on outreach work was constructed as the outcome variable with a reliability of 0.77 and 0.97 at the practice and country level. The results showed that many practices set up outreach work, including extracting at least one list of patients with chronic conditions from their electronic medical record (30.1%); and performing telephone outreach to patients with chronic conditions (62.8%), a psychological vulnerability (35.6%), or possible situation of domestic violence or a child-rearing situation (17.2%). Outreach work was positively related to the availability of an administrative assistant or practice manager (p < 0.05) or paramedical support staff (p < 0.01). Other practice and country characteristics were not significantly associated with undertaking outreach work. Policy and financial interventions supporting general practices to organize outreach work should focus on the range of personnel available to support such practice activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Van Poel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claire Collins
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Research Centre, Irish College of General Practitioners, D02 XR68 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Groenewegen
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, 3500 BN Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Sociology, Department of Human Geography, Utrecht University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Spreeuwenberg
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, 3500 BN Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gazmend Bojaj
- Management of Health Institutions and Services, Heimerer College, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Jonila Gabrani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Liubove Murauskiene
- Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Emmily Schaubroeck
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Stark
- Institute of General Practice, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Sara Willems
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Kabir A, Karim N, Billah B. Preference and willingness to receive non-communicable disease services from primary healthcare facilities in Bangladesh: A qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1473. [PMID: 36463166 PMCID: PMC9719224 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08886-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Bangladesh, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing rapidly and account for approximately 68% of mortality and 64% of disease burden. NCD services have been significantly mobilized to primary healthcare (PHC) facilities to better manage the rising burden of NCDs. However, little is known about community members' preference and willingness to receive NCD services from PHC facilities; therefore, this particular subject is the focus of this study. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted from May 2021 to October 2021. Data were collected via 16 focus group discussions involving community members and 14 key informant interviews with healthcare professionals, facility managers, and public health practitioners. Based on a social-ecological model (SEM), data were analyzed thematically. The triangulation of methods and participants was conducted to validate the information provided. RESULTS Preference and willingness to receive NCD services from PHC facilities were influenced by a range of individual, interpersonal, societal, and organizational factors that were interconnected and influenced each other. Knowledge and the perceived need for NCD care, misperception, self-management, interpersonal, and family-level factors played important roles in using PHC facilities. Community and societal factors (i.e., the availability of alternative and complementary services, traditional practices, social norms) and organizational and health system factors (i.e., a shortage of medicines, diagnostic capacity, untrained human resources, and poor quality of care) also emerged as key aspects that influenced preference and willingness to receive NCD services from PHC facilities. CONCLUSION Despite their substantial potential, PHC facilities may not take full advantage of managing NCDs. All four factors need to be considered when developing NCD service interventions in the primary healthcare system to better address the rising burden of NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraful Kabir
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nazmul Karim
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Baki Billah
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Liu C, Qiu L, Wang H. Willingness rate of the first visit to primary healthcare services and the associated factors in China: a meta-analysis. Aust J Prim Health 2022; 28:459-468. [PMID: 35858635 DOI: 10.1071/py21296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In September 2015, the State Council of China issued guidelines on building a hierarchical medical system, stating that the first visit rate to primary healthcare (PHC) facilities should be increased to 70% for all medical facilities by 2017. This meta-analysis aims to estimate the willingness of the first visit to PHC services in China after the year 2015 and identify its determinants. METHODS A meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS The combined estimate from 23 studies in China for the willingness rate of the first visit to PHC services was 56% (95% CI: 47-65). Chronic diseases may be one source of heterogeneity. We identified five main associated factors with the pooled odds ratio ranging from 1.39 to 10.28, including fair self-reported health status; high understanding of service content; good service attitude; solid expertise and advanced diagnostic methods; and a good medical environment. CONCLUSION In comparison with China's State Council recommendations, the willingness rate for the first visit to PHC services was significantly lower. The Government should develop strategies to facilitate the implementation of a hierarchical system for diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Liu
- Research Institute of Management Science, Hohai University, No. 8 Fucheng West Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211100, Jiangsu, China; and Personnel Department, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, No. 3 Wenyuan Road, Xianlin Street, Qixia District, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Qiu
- Research Institute of Management Science, Hohai University, No. 8 Fucheng West Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huimin Wang
- Research Institute of Management Science, Hohai University, No. 8 Fucheng West Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211100, Jiangsu, China; and State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering, Hohai University, No. 1 Xikang Road, Gulou District, Nanjing 210098, Jiangsu, China
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Muho A, Peshkatari A, Wyss K. Work time allocation at primary health care level in two regions of Albania. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276184. [PMID: 36288384 PMCID: PMC9605026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although well-performing workforce is essential to equitable and efficient health service delivery, few countries have systematically addressed performance improvements. How health workers use their work time and what tasks they accomplish is here an important starting point. Therefore, a time motion study was conducted to assess the work time allocation patterns of primary health care doctors and nurses in two regions of Albania. Methods We used observation tool to record the time allocation along eight predefined main categories of activities. Conditional to presence at work, 48 health workers were continuously observed in early 2020 before start of the Covid-19 pandemic over five consecutive working days. Results The observed health workers spent 40.7% of their overall working time unproductively (36.8% on waiting for patients and 3.9% on breaks), 25.3% on service provision to users, 18.7% on administrative activities, 12.7% on outreach activities, 1.6% on continuous medical education and 1% on meetings. The study found variations in work time allocation patterns across cadres, with nurses spending more time unproductively, on administrative activities and on outreach and less on all other activities than doctors. Further, the work time allocation patterns were similar between urban and rural settings, except for nurses in rural settings spending less time than those in urban settings on administrative work. Conclusion This study found that primary health care workers in Albania devote a substantial amount of work time to unproductive, service provision to users and administrative activities. Consequently, there is possibility for productivity, respectively efficiency gains in how health workers use their time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altiona Muho
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Kaspar Wyss
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Anis-Syakira J, Jawahir S, Abu Bakar NS, Mohd Noh SN, Jamalul-Lail NI, Hamidi N, Sararaks S. Factors Affecting the Use of Private Outpatient Services among the Adult Population in Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13663. [PMID: 36294242 PMCID: PMC9602948 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The proportion of Malaysians of all ages who use private outpatient services has dropped over time, highlighting the overstretched condition of public outpatient facilities compared to their private counterparts. This paper aims to determine the prevalence of outpatient care, characteristics of outpatient care users by sector, and the factors affecting the utilisation of private outpatient services among the adult population of Malaysia using Andersen's behavioural model. Data from the National Health Morbidity Survey 2019 (NHMS 2019), a nationwide survey, were analysed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association of predisposing (locality, age, sex, ethnicity, education level, and marital status), enabling (working status, health care coverage, and household income), and need factors (perceived and evaluated needs) with the use of private outpatient services. Variables with a statistical significance ≤ 0.25 in the univariate regression analysis were included in the final multivariable logistic regression analysis. A total of 11,674 respondents, estimated to represent 22.4 million adults aged 18 years and above in Malaysia, were included for analysis. Overall, 8.3% of the adult population of Malaysia used outpatient care and 33.9% used the private sector. Those living in urban areas (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.02, 3.18), non-Malays (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.04, 2.93), those working (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.48, 4.10), those with employer coverage (OR = 4.73, 95% CI = 2.79, 8.01), and those with health problems (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.26, 4.05) were more likely to utilise private outpatient services. Those who self-rated their health status as fair (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.33, 0.91) and who had diabetes, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.31, 1.02) were less likely to utilise private outpatient services. The predisposing and enabling factors were associated with the use of private outpatient services, and the need factors were strong predictors of private outpatient care utilisation among adults. Understanding the factors associated with the utilisation of private outpatient services could aid in the development of effective initiatives designed to enhance outpatient care access among the population of Malaysia and balance the burden of outpatient care provision on the public and private sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jailani Anis-Syakira
- Centre for Health Outcomes Research, Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Suhana Jawahir
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
- Centre for Health Equity Research, Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Salwana Abu Bakar
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
- Centre for Health Policy Research, Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Sarah Nurain Mohd Noh
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
- Centre for Health Equity Research, Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Iman Jamalul-Lail
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
- Centre for Health Services Research, Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Normaizira Hamidi
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
- Centre for Health Quality Research, Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
| | - Sondi Sararaks
- National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
- Director Office, Institute for Health Systems Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
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Gabrani J, Schindler C, Wyss K. Out of pocket payments and access to NCD medication in two regions in Albania. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272221. [PMID: 35947544 PMCID: PMC9365190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The financial burden from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is a threat worldwide, alleviated only when good social protection schemes are in place. Albeit the Government in Albania has committed to Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC), Out-of-Pockets (OOPs) persist. Through this study, we aimed to assess the OOPs related to consultations, diagnostic tests, and medicine prescriptions as self-reported by people suffering from NCDs. Methods A household survey was conducted in two regions of Albania. The present analysis includes respondents who suffered from chronic health conditions and consulted a health care provider within the last 8 weeks (n = 898). Mixed logistic regression models with random intercepts at the level of communities were employed in order to assess the association of OOPs with age, gender, urban vs. rural residency, health insurance, marital status, barriers experienced, type of chronic condition(s) and region. Results Of those who consulted a provider, 95% also received a drug prescription. Among them, 94% were able to obtain all the drugs prescribed. Out-of-pocket payments occurred throughout the NCD treatment process; specifically, for consultation (36%), diagnostic tests (33%), and drugs purchased (88%). Drug expenditures accounted for 62% of all household expenditures. Respondents with health insurance were less likely to pay for consultation and drugs. The elderly (patients above 60 years old) were less likely to pay for consultations and tests. Those who lived in urban areas were less likely to pay for drugs and consultations. Patients encountering any form of barrier when seeking care had increased odds of OOPs for consultations (OR; 2.25 95%-CI; 1.57; 3.23) and tests (OR; 1.71 95%-CI; 1.19; 2.45). Conclusion Out-of-pocket payments by NCD patients principally made up through the purchase of prescribed drugs, remain important. Tackling the high costs of drugs will be important to accelerate the UHC agenda. Here, it is important to raise the population’s awareness on patients’ knowledge of their entitlements to health insurance, and on the current health reforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonila Gabrani
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Christian Schindler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kaspar Wyss
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Saric J, Kiefer S, Peshkatari A, Wyss K. Assessing the Quality of Care at Primary Health Care Level in Two Pilot Regions of Albania. Front Public Health 2022; 9:747689. [PMID: 35004572 PMCID: PMC8727515 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.747689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The quality of care (QoC) of primary health care (PHC) services in Albania faces challenges on multiple levels including governance, access, infrastructure and health care workers. In addition, there is a lack of trust in the latter. The Health for All Project (HAP) funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation therefore aimed at enhancing the population's health by improving PHC services and implementing health promotion activities following a multi-strategic health system strengthening approach. The objective of this article is to compare QoC before and after the 4 years of project implementation. A cross-sectional study was implemented at 38 PHC facilities in urban and rural locations in the Diber and Fier regions of Albania in 2015 and in 2018. A survey measured the infrastructure of the different facilities, provider–patient interactions through clinical observation and patient satisfaction. During clinical observations, special attention was given to diabetes and hypertensive patients. Infrastructure scores improved from base- to endline with significant changes seen on national level and for rural facilities (p < 0.01). Facility infrastructure and overall cleanliness, hygiene and basic/essential medical equipment and supplies improved at endline, while for public accountability/transparency and guidelines and materials no significant change was observed. The overall clinical observation score increased at endline overall, in both areas and in rural and urban setting. However, infection prevention and control procedures and diabetes treatment still experienced relatively low levels of performance at endline. Patient satisfaction on PHC services is generally high and higher yet at endline. The changes observed in the 38 PHC facilities in two regions in Albania between 2015 and 2018 were overall positive with improvements seen at all three levels assessed, e.g., infrastructure, service provision and patient satisfaction. However, to gain overall improvements in the QoC and move toward a more efficient and sustainable health system requires continuous investments in infrastructure alongside interventions at the provider and user level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Saric
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Kiefer
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Kaspar Wyss
- Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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11
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Chiwire P, Evers SM, Mahomed H, Hiligsmann M. Identification and Prioritization of Attributes for a Discrete Choice Experiment Using the Nominal Group Technique: Patients' Choice of Public Health Facilities in Cape Town, South Africa. Value Health Reg Issues 2021; 27:90-98. [PMID: 34891111 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To date, there has been scant research on patient input regarding the desirable characteristics of healthcare facilities. This study uses the nominal group technique (NGT) to develop a discrete choice experiment (DCE) aimed at identifying and prioritizing, from the patient's perspective, essential characteristics for choosing public health facilities in Cape Town, South Africa. METHODS Four focus group discussions were conducted, including a total of 21 patients or their parents/companion at Bothasig and Goodwood community day centers (which offer primary care within substructure) in Cape Town. The group discussions followed the steps of NGT guidelines. At each facility, the frequency of an attribute being within the top 5 was determined, a weighted ranking was calibrated, and a subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS The 6 most important attributes in choosing a facility were "treatment by a doctor/(family physician)" (66.7%), "distance to the community day center" (61.7%), "availability of medication" (61.7%), "confidentiality during treatment" (57.7%), and "waiting time" and "treatment by a nurse." The weighted results showed that distance was the most important, followed by treatment by the doctors, treatment confidentiality, availability of medication, and waiting time and treatment by a nurse. CONCLUSION This study confirms the feasibility and value of the NGT in identifying and prioritizing the attributes for a DCE. The NGT can be used to elicit patient preferences and, when used together with a DCE, can enhance information quality and quantity for decision making in tandem with patient satisfaction and experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plaxcedes Chiwire
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Silvia M Evers
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Trimbos Institute, National Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hassan Mahomed
- Metro Health Services, Western Cape Government: Health and Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Mickaël Hiligsmann
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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12
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Gabrani J. Updating Nursing Competencies in Primary Healthcare in Albania; Transforming Roles Through Tailored Education. Int J Public Health 2021; 66:1604085. [PMID: 34602952 PMCID: PMC8484239 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2021.1604085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jonila Gabrani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Centre for International Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland
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13
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Gabrani J, Schindler C, Wyss K. Health Seeking Behavior Among Adults and Elderly With Chronic Health Condition(s) in Albania. Front Public Health 2021; 9:616014. [PMID: 33796494 PMCID: PMC8007873 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.616014] [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: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Assess the use of different health care service providers by adults (aged 18–59) and elderly (aged > =60) who suffer from non-communicable disease (NCD) and explore relationships between sociodemographic variables and care-seeking behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the districts of Diber and Fier in December 2018, using random cluster sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the care-seeking behaviors of adults and elderly people. We employed binary and multinomial logistic regression to assess factors associated with the type of health service provider used. Analyses were adjusted for clustering within districts of residence. Results: Out of 3,799 respondents, 1,116 (29.4%) suffered from an NCD. Of these, 95% sought to obtain care for their chronic condition through public healthcare providers. The elderly were more likely to use primary healthcare services (PHC) to initiate care when facing health problems (56%), compared to those aged 18–59 years (49%, p < 0,001). Over the last 8 weeks, 82% (914/1,116) of participants sought care. Binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses, adjusted for socio-demographic variables, showed that the elderly were more likely to choose PHC services (OR 1.56; 95% CI: 1.04; 2.35). Moreover, individuals who suffered from hypertension used PHC services more frequently than hospitals (OR 1.94; 95% CI: 1.32; 2.85). A positive association was found between living in an urban area and seeking care for NCDs at polyclinics (OR 10.1; 95% CI: 2.1; 50.1). There was no significant gender difference observed with regard to the type of provider consulted. Conclusion: Public facilities were reported as the main providers for initiating care and the main providers used in the 8 weeks prior to the interview. While a majority of elderly people visited a PHC to initiate treatment (and follow up) on their chronic conditions, a substantial proportion of adults (aged 18–59) initiated and sought regular NCD care at a hospital. Educating patients and caregivers on active participation in NCD prevention, management, and control through the PHC level should be a long-term effort, along with the establishment of well-structured referral mechanisms and integrated care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonila Gabrani
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Schindler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kaspar Wyss
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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14
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Doherty S, Sureshkumar DS, Thayakaran R, Surenthirakumaran R. Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Healthcare Utilization in Post-conflict Primary Care Attendees in Northern Sri Lanka. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2021; 1:719617. [PMID: 36926487 PMCID: PMC10012669 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2021.719617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Sri Lanka's healthcare systems attempts to provides access to universal healthcare services for all citizens and is designed to be free of out-of-pocket payments. Despite a 30-year civil conflict, natural disasters, and COVID-19, the healthcare system within the country remains robust and strong. However, due to a lack of formalized pathways and centralized record keeping, the pattern of service utilization is still relatively unknown, which raises concerns regarding effective allocation of scarce resources and efficiency of referral pathways. To address this gap in knowledge, part of the parent study (COMGAP-S), consisted of a survey on healthcare service use conducted among adults attending primary care facilities. The results from this quantitative data analysis indicate the majority of people seeking care originate from rural areas, are older (50+), attend divisional hospitals, and report paying fees at point of contact. Our findings indicate a need for more efficient use of healthcare services, creation of referral routes to ensure limited healthcare resources are used effectively. Additionally, further investment in services is needed to ensure Sri Lanka's healthcare system meets the standard of universal healthcare as proposed by the World Health Organization. These findings address a gap in knowledge for national decision-makers within Sri Lanka along with other similar post-conflict healthcare settings across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Doherty
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Diliniya Stanislaus Sureshkumar
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Service Development, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rasiah Thayakaran
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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