scholarly journals Geographic barriers to establishing a successful hospital referral system in rural Madagascar

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felana Angella Ihantamalala ◽  
Matthew H. Bonds ◽  
Mauricianot Randriamihaja ◽  
Luc Rakotonirina ◽  
Vincent Herbreteau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Travel Speed ◽  
Health System Strengthening ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Geographic Accessibility ◽  
Hospital Referral ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Universal Health

Background: The provision of emergency and hospital care has become an integral part of the global vision for universal health coverage. It is recommended that at least 80% of a country s population should be within two hours of a facility with essential surgery and anesthetic services. In order to strengthen health systems to achieve this goal, there needs to be an understanding of the time necessary for populations to reach a hospital. The goal of this study was to develop methods that accurately estimate referral and pre-hospital time for rural health districts in LMICs. We used these estimates to assess how the local geography can limit the impact of a strengthened referral program in a rural district of Madagascar. Methods: We developed a database containing 1) travel speed in a subset of routes by foot and motorized vehicles in Ifanadiana District; 2) a full mapping of all roads, footpaths and households in the district; and 3) remotely sensed data on terrain, land cover and climatic characteristics. We used this information to calibrate estimates of referral and pre-hospital time based on shortest route algorithms and statistical models of local travel speed. We compared these estimates with those from other commonly used methods in geographic accessibility modeling. Finally, we studied the impact of referral time on the evolution of the number of referrals completed by each health center in the district in 2014-2020 via generalized linear mixed models, using model estimates to predict the impact on referral numbers of strategies aimed at reducing referral time for underserved populations. Results: About 10% of the population lived less than two hours from the hospital, and more than half lived over four hours away, with variable access depending on climatic conditions. Only the four health centers (out of 21) located near the paved road had referral times to the hospital within one hour, which contributed over 75% of all 8,464 hospital referrals. Referral time remained the main barrier limiting the number of referrals despite health system strengthening efforts. The addition of two new referral centers is estimated to triple the population living within two hours from a center with higher acute care capacity and nearly double the number of referrals expected. Conclusion: This study demonstrates how adapting geographic accessibility modeling methods to local scales can occur through improving the precision of travel time estimates and pairing them with data on health facility data. Such information can substantially improve the design of a local health system to overcome existing barriers to care and achieve universal health coverage.

scholarly journals Geographic barriers to establishing a successful hospital referral system in rural Madagascar

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. e007145
Author(s):  
Felana Angella Ihantamalala ◽  
Matthew H Bonds ◽  
Mauricianot Randriamihaja ◽  
Luc Rakotonirina ◽  
Vincent Herbreteau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Underserved Populations ◽  
Travel Speed ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Health System Strengthening ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Remotely Sensed Data ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Hospital Referral ◽  
Prehospital Time ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThe provision of emergency and hospital care has become an integral part of the global vision for universal health coverage. To strengthen secondary care systems, we need to accurately understand the time necessary for populations to reach a hospital. The goal of this study was to develop methods that accurately estimate referral and prehospital time for rural districts in low and middle-income countries. We used these estimates to assess how local geography can limit the impact of a strengthened referral programme in a rural district of Madagascar.MethodsWe developed a database containing: travel speed by foot and motorised vehicles in Ifanadiana district; a full mapping of all roads, footpaths and households; and remotely sensed data on terrain, land cover and climatic characteristics. We used this information to calibrate estimates of referral and prehospital time based on the shortest route algorithms and statistical models of local travel speed. We predict the impact on referral numbers of strategies aimed at reducing referral time for underserved populations via generalised linear mixed models.ResultsAbout 10% of the population lived less than 2 hours from the hospital, and more than half lived over 4 hours away, with variable access depending on climatic conditions. Only the four health centres located near the paved road had referral times to the hospital within 1 hour. Referral time remained the main barrier limiting the number of referrals despite health system strengthening efforts. The addition of two new referral centres is estimated to triple the population living within 2 hours from a centre with better emergency care capacity and nearly double the number of expected referrals.ConclusionThis study demonstrates how adapting geographic accessibility modelling methods to local scales can occur through improving the precision of travel time estimates and pairing them with data on health facility use.

scholarly journals District-level health system strengthening for universal health coverage: evidence from a longitudinal cohort study in rural Madagascar, 2014-2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (12) ◽  
pp. e003647
Author(s):  
Andres Garchitorena ◽  
Ann C Miller ◽  
Laura F Cordier ◽  
Marius Randriamanambintsoa ◽  
Hery-Tiana R Razanadrakato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Child Mortality ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Health System Strengthening ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Longitudinal Cohort ◽  
Geographical Inequalities ◽  
Universal Health

IntroductionDespite renewed commitment to universal health coverage and health system strengthening (HSS) to improve access to primary care, there is insufficient evidence to guide their design and implementation. To address this, we conducted an impact evaluation of an ongoing HSS initiative in rural Madagascar, combining data from a longitudinal cohort and primary health centres.MethodsWe carried out a district representative household survey at the start of the HSS intervention in 2014 in over 1500 households in Ifanadiana district, and conducted follow-up surveys at 2 and 4 years. At each time point, we estimated maternal, newborn and child health coverage; economic and geographical inequalities in coverage; and child mortality rates; both in the HSS intervention and control catchments. We used logistic regression models to evaluate changes associated with exposure to the HSS intervention. We also estimated changes in health centre per capita utilisation during 2013 to 2018.ResultsChild mortality rates decreased faster in the HSS than in the control catchment. We observed significant improvements in care seeking for children under 5 years of age (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.44) and individuals of all ages (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.19 to 1.58), but no significant differences in maternal care coverage. Economic inequalities in most coverage indicators were reduced, while geographical inequalities worsened in nearly half of the indicators.ConclusionThe results demonstrate improvements in care seeking and economic inequalities linked to the early stages of a HSS intervention in rural Madagascar. Additional improvements in this context of persistent geographical inequalities will require a stronger focus on community health.

scholarly journals The impact of the fragile health system on the implementation of health policies in Yemen

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taha Hussein ◽  
Fekri Dureab ◽  
Raof Al-Waziza ◽  
Hanan Noman ◽  
Lisa Hennig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health System ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Peace Building ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Health Security ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Universal Health

The on-going humanitarian crisis in Yemen is one of the worst in the world, with more than14 million people in acute need. The conflict in Yemen deteriorated the already fragile health system and lead to the collapse of more than half of the health facilities. Health system fragmentation is also a problem in Yemen, which is complicated by the existence of two health ministries with different strategies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of health system fragmentation on the implementation of health policies in Yemen across the global agendas of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Health Security (GHS) and Health Promotion (HP) in the context of WHO priorities achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies and promoting healthier populations. Methods The study is qualitative research using key informant in-depth interviews and documents analysis. Results There are many health stakeholders in Yemen, including the public, private, and NGO sectors - each with different priorities and interests, which did not always align with national policies and strategies. The WHO and Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP) are the main supporters to implement all policies related to the UHC, GHS and HP agendas. Interestingly, initiatives initially pursuing a health security approach to control the cholera epidemic realigned with the UHC concept and moved from an initial focus on health security, to propose a minimum health service package, a classical UHC intervention. Overall, Universal Health Coverage is the most adapted agenda, health security agendas were highly disrupted due to conflicts and health staffs were caught unprepared for emerging outbreaks. The health promotion agenda was largely ignored. Conclusion Restoring peace, building on synergies between the three health agendas through joint planning between the MoPHP and other health actors are highly recommended.

scholarly journals Global health security and universal health coverage: from a marriage of convenience to a strategic, effective partnership

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e001145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Wenham ◽  
Rebecca Katz ◽  
Charles Birungi ◽  
Lisa Boden ◽  
Mark Eccleston-Turner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Health System Strengthening ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Global Health Security ◽  
Health Security ◽  
Universal Health

Global health security and universal health coverage have been frequently considered as “two sides of the same coin”. Yet, greater analysis is required as to whether and where these two ideals converge, and what important differences exist. A consequence of ignoring their individual characteristics is to distort global and local health priorities in an effort to streamline policymaking and funding activities. This paper examines the areas of convergence and divergence between global health security and universal health coverage, both conceptually and empirically. We consider analytical concepts of risk and human rights as fundamental to both goals, but also identify differences in priorities between the two ideals. We support the argument that the process of health system strengthening provides the most promising mechanism of benefiting both goals.

scholarly journals Analyzing efforts to synergize the global health agenda of universal health coverage, health security and health promotion: a case-study from Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amare Worku Tadesse ◽  
Kassu Ketema Gurmu ◽  
Selamawit Tesfaye Kebede ◽  
Mahlet Kifle Habtemariam
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Health Security ◽  
Universal Health ◽  
Health Agenda

Abstract Background Evidence exists about synergies among universal health coverage, health security and health promotion. Uniting these three global agendas has brought success to the country’s health sector. This study aimed to document the efforts Ethiopia has made to apply nationally synergistic approaches uniting these three global health agendas. Our study is part of the Lancet Commission on synergies between these global agendas. Methods We employed a case study design to describe the synergistic process in the Ethiopian health system based on a review of national strategies and policy documents, and key informant interviews with current and former policymakers, and academics. We analyzed the “hardware” (using the World Health Organization’s building blocks) and the “software” (ideas, interests, and power relations) of the Ethiopian health system according to the aforementioned three global agendas. Results Fragmentation of health system primarily manifested as inequities in access to health services, low health workforce and limited capacity to implementation guidelines. Donor driven vertical programs, multiple modalities of health financing, and inadequate multisectoral collaborations were also found to be key features of fragmentation. Several approaches were found to be instrumental in fostering synergies within the global health agenda. These included strong political and technical leadership within the government, transparent coordination, and engagement of stakeholders in the process of priority setting and annual resource mapping. Furthermore, harmonization and alignment of the national strategic plan with international commitments, joint financial arrangements with stakeholders and standing partnership platforms facilitated efforts for synergy. Conclusions Ethiopia has implemented multiple approaches to overcome fragmentation. Such synergistic efforts of the primary global health agendas have made significant contributions to the improvement of the country’s health indicators and may promote sustained functionality of the health system.

scholarly journals Future Challenges of Nursing in Health System of Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Barasteh ◽  
Maryam Rassouli ◽  
Mohammad Reza Karimirad ◽  
Abbas Ebadi
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Nursing Education ◽  
Health System ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
The Future ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Universal Health

Purpose: Nursing development is considered as one of the most important ways to achieve the universal health coverage and sustainable development goals in different countries. Nursing in Iran has the potential to provide services at all levels of universal health coverage. Therefore, planning for nursing in Iran needs to recognize the future challenges. This study aims to explore the future challenges of nursing in the health system of Iran from the perspective of nursing experts.Methods: In this qualitative study, 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with nursing experts by purposive sampling in 2017–2018. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and framework analysis method was used to analysis the data.Results: The results showed that a favorable future requires planning in three areas of nursing “governance challenges” including centralized nursing stewardship, policy-making and legislation, monitoring and evaluation, and cooperation and communication with other institutions, “inadequacy of professional development with social demands” including community-based nursing, nursing upgrades with disease patterns, expanding home care, expanding care centers, and use of technology, “human resource challenges “including nursing education tailored to the needs of the community, empowering nursing managers, recruiting and retaining nurses, and specialized nursing.Conclusions: A favorable future requires a coherent nursing government, professional development of nursing based on social demands, and enhancing human resources in line with the emerging needs of the future.

The impact of Universal Health Coverage on health care consumption and risky behaviours: evidence from Thailand

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Ghislandi ◽  
Wanwiphang Manachotphong ◽  
Viviana M.E. Perego
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Health Care Consumption ◽  
Thai Population ◽  
Risky Behaviours ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Universal Health

AbstractThailand is among the first non-OECD countries to have introduced a form of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This policy represents a natural experiment to evaluate the effects of public health insurance on health behaviours. In this paper, we examine the impact of Thailand’s UHC programme on preventive activities, unhealthy or risky behaviours and health care consumption using data from the Thai Health and Welfare Survey. We use doubly robust estimators that combine propensity scores and linear regressions to estimate differences-in-differences (DD) and differences-in-DD models. Our results offer important insights. First, UHC increases individuals’ likelihood of having an annual check-up, especially among women. Regarding health care consumption, we observe that UHC increases hospital admissions by over 2% and increases outpatient visits by 13%. However, there is no evidence that UHC leads to an increase in unhealthy behaviours or a reduction of preventive efforts. In other words, we find no evidence ofex antemoral hazard. Overall, these findings suggest positive health impacts among the Thai population covered by UHC.

scholarly journals Towards universal health coverage: governance and organisational change in ministries of health

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. e001735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Berman ◽  
Azrina Azhar ◽  
Elizabeth J Osborn
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Health Financing ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Political Commitment ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
High Level ◽  
Universal Health

Countries have implemented a range of reforms in health financing and provision to advance towards universal health coverage (UHC). These reforms often change the role of a ministry of health (MOH) in traditionally unitary national health service systems. An exploratory comparative case study of four upper middle-income and high-income countries provides insights into how these reforms in pursuit of UHC are likely to affect health governance and the organisational functioning of an MOH accustomed to controlling the financing and delivery of healthcare. These reforms often do not result in simple transfers of responsibility from MOH to other actors in the health system. The resulting configuration of responsibilities and organisational changes within a health system is specific to the capacities within the health system and the sociopolitical context. Formal prescriptions that accompany reform proposals often do not fully represent what actually takes place. An MOH may retain considerable influence in financing and delivery even when reforms appear to formally shift those powers to other organisational units. MOHs have limited ability to independently achieve fundamental system restructuring in health systems that are strongly subject to public sector rules and policies. Our comparative study shows that within these constraints, MOHs can drive organisational change through four mechanisms: establishing a high-level interministerial team to provide political commitment and reduce institutional barriers; establishing an MOH ‘change team’ to lead implementation of organisational change; securing key components of systemic change through legislation; and leveraging emerging political change windows of opportunity for the introduction of health reforms.

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