Evaluation of the Quality of Care for Sexually Transmitted Infections in Primary Health Care Centres in South Africa

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 33-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nokuthula Shabalala ◽  
Anna Strebel ◽  
Tammy Shefer ◽  
Leickness Simbayi ◽  
Tanya Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Depth Interviews

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are one of the most common illnesses among adolescents and adults in developing countries. While research from other countries indicates that a lack of financial, infra-structural and human resources are central determinants of the quality of care for STIs, South African studies suggest that there are also problems in health workers' interactions with STI patients. This study investigates the quality of care for STIs at 24 primary health care (PHC) centres in four provinces of South Africa (SA). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with STI patients and health providers. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of STI patients, and focus group discussions were held with diverse community groupings. Simulated patients also completed questionnaires on the care they received at the centres. Frequencies were computed on close-ended questions in order to describe patterns and trends in the data. Cross-tabulations were calculated to check for gender, provincial and urban-rural differences. Composite scores were also generated for the purpose of comparing quality of care across the different participating groups. Finally, the depth interviews and focus groups were analysed thematically. The results show that PHC centres in SA are relatively well-resourced. However, problems were found in the actual encounter between health workers and STI patients, which severely undermines the quality and effectiveness of treatment. It is strongly recommended that attention be given to health providers, in particular through the provision of further training and support in relation to effective STI management.

scholarly journals Family and provider perceptions of quality of care in the management of sick young infants in primary health care settings in four counties of Kenya.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Mbugua ◽  
Jesse Gitaka ◽  
Tabither Gitau ◽  
George Odwe ◽  
Peter Mwaura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Health Providers ◽  
Health Care Settings ◽  
Young Infants ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Primary Health Care Settings

Background: Understanding the perceptions of quality of care given to sick young infants in primary health care settings is key for developing strategies for effective uptake and utilization of PSBI guidelines. The purpose of this study is to assess families' and providers' perceptions of care given to sick young infants at primary healthcare facilities in four diverse counties in Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative design involving in-depth interviews (23) and focus group discussions (25) with very young (15-18 years), young (19-24 years) and older (25-45 years) caregivers of young infants 0-59 days; and key informant interviews with community- and facility-based frontline health providers (14) in primary health care facilities. Qualitative data were captured using audio tapes and field notes, transcribed, translated, and exported into QSR NVivo 12 for analysis. A thematic framework approach was adopted to classify and analyze data. Results: Perceived care given to SYIs was described around six domains of WHO's framework for the quality of maternal and newborn health care: evidence-based practices for routine and emergency care; functional referral systems; effective communication; respect and preservation of dignity; availability of competent, motivated human resources; and availability of physical resources. Views of caregivers and providers regarding SYIs care at PHCs were similar across the four sites. Main hindrance to SYI care includes stockout of essential drugs, limited infrastructure, lack of functional referral system, inadequate providers which led to delays in receiving treatment, inadequate provider skills and poor provider attitudes. Despite these challenges, motivation and teamwork of health providers were key tenets in care provision. Conclusion: The findings underscore the need to prioritize improving quality of SYIs services at PHCs by building capacity of providers through training, ensuring continuous supply of essential medicines and equipment, improving infrastructure including referral. Keywords: Quality of care, Sick young infants, Caregivers, Providers

Evaluation of integrated antenatal care implementation in primary health care

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Hakiem Afrizal ◽  
Achmad Nizar Hidayanto ◽  
Putu Wuri Handayani ◽  
Besral Besral ◽  
Evi Martha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Antenatal Care ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Functional Integration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Primary Health

PurposeThis study was aimed to evaluate the implementation of an integrated antenatal care (ANC) scheme through a retrospective document study using a checklist for measuring the adequacy of the cohort ANC register documented by midwives in an urban area and to describe the barriers for the midwives during the ANC record process.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory descriptive study using a sequential mixed method was utilised where a quantitative method was employed by collecting secondary data of 150 entries of the cohort ANC register and followed by in-depth interviews among midwives and community health workers.FindingsThe results show that the cohort registry indicators for integrated care such as laboratory and management were poorly recorded. Several barriers were found and categorised during the implementation of the integrated ANC, namely (1) governance and strategy, (2) process of care, (3) organisation and management support.Research limitations/implicationsThe contribution of this present research is that it provides empirical data of the integrated ANC implementation in primary health care (PHC) which has the responsibility to deliver an integrated level of care for ANC using a cohort registry for pregnancy registration monitoring which facilitates the continuity and quality of care.Practical implicationsPractical implication of the finding is that functional integration such as the clinical information system to facilitate an efficient and effective approach during the implementation of integrated ANC in primary care should be considered to support the clinical, professional, organisational, system and normative integration.Originality/valueSince only limited studies have been conducted to assess the quality of the cohort ANC registry and to investigate the barriers against integrated ANC implementation in Indonesia, the research findings are valuable information for the national and local governments to improve the ANC service in Indonesia.

Neoliberal Reforms in Swedish Primary Health Care: For Whom and for What Purpose?

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 697-715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Göran Dahlgren
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
High Income ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Access And Quality

The conservative government that came to power in Sweden in 2006 has initiated major market-oriented reforms in the health sector. Its first health care policy bill changed the health legislation to make it possible to sell/transfer public hospitals to commercial providers while maintaining public funding. Far-reaching market-oriented primary health care reforms are also initiated, for example in Stockholm County. They are typically presented as “free choice models” in which “the money follows the patient.” The actual and likely effects of these reforms in terms of access and quality of care are discussed in this article. One main finding is that existing social inequities in geographic access to care not only are reinforced but also become very difficult to change by democratic political decisions. Furthermore, dynamic market forces will gradually reduce the quality of care in low-income areas while both access and quality of care will be even better in high-income areas. Public funds are thus transferred from people living in low-income areas to people living in high-income areas, even though the need for good health services is much greater in the low-income areas. Certain policy options for reversing the inverse law of care are also presented.

scholarly journals Primary Health Care and Aging

2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 99-108
Author(s):  
Martha Pelaez ◽  
Marilyn Rice
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Interdisciplinary Teams ◽  
Healthy Ageing ◽  
Policy Statement ◽  
Primary Health

From 21-25 February 2000, in San Jose, Costa Rica, a WHO Consultative Group was held on the topic of Primary Health Care for Older Persons, with representatives from 13 countries from around the world, as well as Headquarters and Regional offices of WHO and the private sector. In the policy statement that emerged from the meeting four basic principles were highlighted: universal accessibility and coverage on the basis of need, community and individual involvement, intersectoral action for health, and appropriate use of cost effective technologies in relation to the available resources. Three complementary integration functions are mentioned: functional with an integrated approach to the health needs of individuals over their life course taking precedence over episodic management of disease; organizational, with a focus on how health centers should function with interdisciplinary teams; and educational which addresses the knowledge and skills and attitudes needed by health professionals that will facilitate communication, networking, advocacy and mediation of resources. The proceedings go on to outline the objectives to be included in national plans on health of older people, as well as the extended benefits and outcomes to be expected from PHC strategies for older people. In promoting quality of care for older persons, positive and negative factors are mentioned, as are strategies to: stimulate interest in geriatric care, motivate general practitioners to focus on the care of elders, encourage teamwork among PHC staff, and encourage multi-sectoral collaboration in promoting the health of older persons. An example is provided of healthy ageing from Canada. The recommendations include defining and measuring an ageing friendly health center (with specific indicators for the latter), defining the role of the PHC team in promoting healthy ageing, characteristics that programs should have to promote “age friendly” services in the primary care setting, and outcome indicators for quality of care of elders at the PHC level.

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