scholarly journals The capacity of primary health care facilities in Saudi Arabia: infrastructure, services, drug availability, and human resources

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Quds Al Saffer ◽  
Taghred Al-Ghaith ◽  
Ahlam Alshehri ◽  
Rimah Al-Mohammed ◽  
Shahad Al Homidi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
National Level ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Noncommunicable Disease ◽  
Drug Availability ◽  
Primary Health

Abstract Background Primary healthcare (PHC) is an essential component of an effective healthcare system. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) health reforms prioritize tackling the increasing noncommunicable disease burden by prioritizing PHC, centering it as the core of the newly proposed Model of Care. To identify challenges and opportunities to scale up PHC capacity, understanding the current capacity of primary health care centers (PHCC) is critical. A limited number of publications review PHC capacity in KSA, focusing on specific regions/sectors; this paper is a first to examine PHC capacity on a national level. Methods The study uses a countrywide Facility Survey that collected data in 2018 from 2319 PHCCs, generating information on their characteristics, number of health workers, services provided, and capacity elements captured through the Service Availability and Drug Availability constructed indices. Descriptive analysis was performed by rural-urban classification. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions were used to understand correlates to health workers and equipment availability. Finally, a logistic regression was fitted for selected services. Regressions controlled for various measures to determine correlates with facilities’ capacity. Results On a national level, there are 0.74 PHCCs per 10,000 population in KSA. There are variations in the distribution of PHCCs across regions and within regions across rural and urban areas. PHCCs in urban areas have more examination rooms but lower examination room densities. Offering 24 × 7 services in PHCCs is infrequent and dependency on paper-based medical recording remains common. More urban regions are more likely to offer general services but less likely to offer burn management and emergency services. PHCCs are mostly staffed with general medicine, family medicine, and obstetrics & gynecology physicians, whose numbers are more concentrated in urban areas; however, their densities are higher in rural areas. Finally, psychiatrists and nutritionists are rare to find in PHCCs. Conclusions Decision-makers need to consider several factors when designing PHC policies. For instance, PHC accreditation needs to be prioritized given its positive correlation with service provision and health workers availability. PHC 24 × 7 operation also needs considerations in rural areas due to the high dependency on PHCCs. Finally, there is a substantial need for improvements in e-health.

scholarly journals Experiences of Professional Nurses Regarding the Implementation of a Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution Program at Primary Health Care Facilities in South Africa.

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 477-483
Author(s):  
Livhuwani Muthelo ◽  
Tshinanne Nemagumoni ◽  
Tebogo Maria Mothiba ◽  
Arthur Thabo Phukubje ◽  
Linneth Nkateko Mabila
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Professional Nurses

Background: The Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) program is a new program initiated by the Department of Health, South Africa to provide an alternative chronic medicine access program to public sector patients. The program is designed to improve access to required medicine, especially to patients who are on chronic medicines while assisting with the decongestion of public clinics. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine the experiences of professional nurses regarding the implementation of the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution program. Methods: A qualitative descriptive, phenomenological and exploratory design research was conducted to determine the experiences of professional nurses regarding the implementation of the central chronic medicine dispensing and distribution program. Purposive sampling was used to select 15 professional nurses who participated in the study. Data were collected through a semi-structured one-on-one interview method, using a scheduled interview guide. The study was conducted in three Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, where professional nurses dispensed medicine to patients through the CCMDD programme. Data were analysed using Tesch’s method. Lincoln and Guba's four strategies were applied to ensure trustworthiness. Results: The findings of this study reveals that proffessional nurses in Vhembe experienced challenges with the implementation of the CCMDD program; such as late delivery of medication, lack of parcel tracking, patients receiving collection notification messages late, incorrect medication being issued to the patients, lack of pick up points in rural areas, and lack of patients’ data availability in the clinic facilities. Conclusion: South Africa is in the process of developing and implementing universal health care for all (National Health Insurance). The effective implementation of the CCMDD program should ensure equal access for all patients to their medication, in both rural and urban areas.

Childhood Mental Disorders in Primary Health Care: Results of Observations in Four Developing Countries

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 677-683
Author(s):  
R. Giel ◽  
M. V. de Arango ◽  
C. E. Climent ◽  
T. W. Harding ◽  
H. H. A. Ibrahim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Research Procedure ◽  
Primary Health Care Facilities

To ascertain the frequency of mental disorders in Sudan, Philippines, India, and Colombia, 925 children attending primary health care facilities were studied. Rates of between 12% and 29% were found in the four study areas. The range of mental disorders diagnosed was similar to that encountered in industrialized countries. The research procedure involved a two-stage screening in which a ten-item "reporting questionnaire" constituted the first stage. The study has shown that mental disorders are common among children attending primary health care facilities in four developing countries and that accompanying adults (usually the mothers) readily recognize and report common psychologic and behavioral symptoms when these are solicited by means of a simple set of questions. Despite this, the primary health workers themselves recognized only between 10% and 22% of the cases of mental disorder. The results have been used to design appropriate brief training courses in childhood mental disorders for primary health workers in the countries participating in the study.

Knowledge of Malaria and Management Practices of Primary Health Care Workers Treating Children with Malaria in Ibadan, Nigeria

2003 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. I. Fawole ◽  
M. O. Onadeko ◽  
C. O. Oyejide
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Treatment Practices ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Physical Examinations

A survey of the knowledge and management practices of 61 health workers in five primary health care facilities in Ibadan 30 health workers observed as they managed children with fever and the parasite status of 92 children diagnosed to have malaria was conducted. Sixty-seven percent of children had the malaria parasite. Knowledge on some basic concepts was fairly adequate as the majority (75.4%) knew the cause of malaria, and 95.1% correctly recognized its key signs and symptoms. Treatment practices were poor as only 55.7% and 63.9% of health workers, respectively, prescribed chloroquine and paracetamol correctly; most gave underdosage. Observation revealed that history taking and physical examinations were rudimentary. Scores out of 100 on correct prescriptions of chloroquine and paracetamol were 60.1 and 76.8, respectively. There is an urgent need for periodic education programs, especially for health workers with many years of experience to help them maintain clinical skills and refresh their knowledge.

scholarly journals Difficulties and Barriers of Primary Health Care Physicians in Rural Areas of Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mastor A.M. Alshahrani ◽  
Mohammed A. Alsaleem ◽  
Safar A. Alsaleem ◽  
Mohammed A. Alfaya ◽  
Muhammed A.Y. Alkhairi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Primary Health Care Physicians

Aim of Study: To identify difficulties and barriers facing primary health care physicians in rural areas of Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) belonging to the Saudi Ministry of Health, in rural areas of Aseer Region. A total of 134 physicians participated in the study. A validated study questionnaire was adapted and used for data collection. Results: Female physicians constituted 43.3% of respondents, age of 58.2% was 30-35 years, (Mean±SD: 32.8 ± 7.0 years), 54.5% were married, the salary of 76.1% was <10,000 SR, and the place of residence of 43.3% was in urban areas. Only 34.3% had opportunities for on-the-job continuing medical education, 33.6% were satisfied with medical equipment and resources, and 50% were dissatisfied with their salary. Internet service was present for 83.6% of participants. The social life of 83.6% was negatively affected, and 16.4% were exposed to violence at the workplace. Most participants had a favorable attitude toward working in rural areas, mainly in the form of professional satisfaction, pursuing postgraduate academic studies, building confidence as a clinician and provision of opportunities to upgrade knowledge and skills. Participants were less satisfied regarding several social factors, such as internet connectivity, isolation from family and relatives; received support from rural people, difficult schooling for children, but were not satisfied regarding PHCC infrastructure, their residential facilities, or earning more money. Conclusion: Serving within the rural healthcare system provides young physicians with an opportunity to build up their experience and to increase their confidence as physicians. However, important difficulties that they face are mainly social and financial. Hence, creating a health policy to safeguard the serving physicians’ career and providing facilities to promote personal and social well-being needs to be considered. Key words: Primary healthcare, rural health, difficulties, barriers, Saudi Arabia

scholarly journals Implementing a package of noncommunicable disease interventions in the Republic of Moldova: two-year follow-up data

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dylan Collins ◽  
Laura Inglin ◽  
Tiina Laatikainen ◽  
Angela Ciobanu ◽  
Ghenadie Curocichin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
National Level ◽  
Noncommunicable Disease ◽  
Risk Factor Control ◽  
Republic Of Moldova ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
The Republic

SUMMARY Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing challenge in the Republic of Moldova. A previously reported pilot cluster randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the feasibility of implementing and evaluating essential interventions for NCDs (e.g. cardiovascular risk scoring, hypertension management, statin treatment, etc.) in primary health care in the Republic of Moldova, with a view toward national scale up. One-year follow-up data (previously published) demonstrated modest improvements in NCD risk factor identification and management could be achieved. Herein, we report the second-year follow-up data and conclude that sustainable improvements in NCD risk factor control (e.g. hypertension control) can be achieved in primary health care in low resource settings by adapting existing resources (e.g. WHO PEN) and conducting focused clinical training and support. If scaled to a national level, these improvements in risk factor control could significantly translate to reductions in premature mortality from NCDs.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of classic lecture and workshop as interventions to improve primary health care providers knowledge and skill on the management of pediatric emergencies: a case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
Ricky Indra Alfaray ◽  
Rahmat Sayyid Zharfan ◽  
Yudhistira Pradnyan Kloping ◽  
Yudith Annisa Ayu Rezkitha ◽  
Rafiqy Sa’adiy Faizun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test

Abstract A preliminary study showed that most health workers in primary health care (PHC) claimed that they need a refreshing course because of their lack of updated knowledge and skill. This study enrolled 27 primary healthcare workers recruited from the PHC. The intervention used were classic lectures and workshops. The knowledge was evaluated using a paper-based test and practice, while the skill was evaluated using a practice test. Multiple questions (pre-test and post-test) based on current emergency management for pediatric were used for paper-based evaluation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to confirm the subject's perspective on the intervention. A paired t-test was used for evaluating the pre- and post-test results, which was confirmed by a triangulation approach. There was a significant difference between the pre- and post-test results (p<0.001), and 8 of 10 subjects can demonstrate the procedure learned correctly after the intervention. A total of 14 interviewed subjects stated great effectiveness of the intervention, with several limitations on applicability in daily clinical practice. Classic lecture and workshop as an intervention in health education effectively increase health workers' knowledge and skill in PHC. This study might help other rural areas PHC apply the same method so the professionalism and quality of health workers in PHC providers can be maintained.Keywords                : primary health care, classic lecture; workshop; knowledge; skillCorrespondence     : [email protected]

scholarly journals A Legislative Agenda for Reducing Existing Disparities in Maternal and Child Health Care in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 55-62
Author(s):  
Rifkatu Nghargbu ◽  
Chukwuemeka Onyimadu ◽  
Ezechinyere Ibe
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Primary Health

A key indicator of the SDG goal of attaining Universal Health Coverage is the access to quality essential health care services, access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. Although The Federal Government of Nigeria has adopted the SDGs, data from UNICEF’s Multiple Cluster survey 2016 – 2017 indicates a severe disparity in health care service coverage among poor women and children who reside in rural areas. To this end, this communication advocates that the National Assembly ensures that 15% - 20% of health expenditure goes to Primary Health Care. Also, the amendment of the NHIS Act to include community based insurance schemes and employ its powers of scrutiny and oversight functions in order to reduce the dearth in Primary Health care facilities in rural areas.

scholarly journals Primary health care patient satisfaction: Explanatory factors and geographic characteristics

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-98
Author(s):  
Pedro L Ferreira ◽  
Vitor Raposo ◽  
Aida Isabel Tavares
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Care Patient ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Satisfaction Index ◽  
Explanatory Factors ◽  
Primary Health

Abstract Objective To determine the factors that explain the levels of patient satisfaction and the role of geographical characteristics. Design Questionnaires to patients of Primary Health Care (PHC) units in Portugal Mainland distributed to each unit according to their size; codes were distributed to guarantee single responses; the questionnaire was anonymous and confidential. Setting Primary Health Care units in Portugal Mainland. Participants Primary health care patients. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Overall patient satisfaction. Results The main results indicate that the most significant dimension explaining overall patient satisfaction index is the satisfaction regarding general practitioner (GP) care, and the two other most significant explanatory variables of satisfaction are to be enrolled in a GP list and education. The bigger is the size of a PHC unit the lower is satisfaction. In rural areas, the level of satisfaction is higher than in urban areas. Comparing to the Lisbon metropolitan area, all other regions show a higher satisfaction in access dimension. Conclusions These results contribute to the creation of strategic information relevant to the evaluation of the various models of Primary Health Care, to the commissioning and definition of health policies.

scholarly journals Contribution of community health workers to primary health care performance in Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Alaneir de Fátima dos Santos ◽  
Hugo André da Rocha ◽  
Ângela Maria de Lourdes Dayrell de Lima ◽  
Daisy Maria Xavier de Abreu ◽  
Érica Araújo Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Community Health Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Children's Health ◽  
Children’S Health ◽  
Primary Health

OBJECTIVE: To associate the strength of community health workers interventions with primary health care strategies for women’s and children’s health, diabetes, and hypertension. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study assessing 29,778 family health teams working in primary health care in Brazil in 2014. The association between community health workers activity levels and primary health care facilities was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: We found higher levels of community health workers activities strongly associated with primary health care practices (OR = 6.88) for those activities targeting hypertension management, followed by children’s health (OR = 6.56), and women’s health (OR = 6.21). CONCLUSIONS: At a time when Brazil discusses whether community health workers should or should not remain in the same scale-up and skill level as they currently are, our results reinforce the importance of these workers for the care model advocated by the Brazilian Unified Health System.

scholarly journals The burden of recording and reporting health data in primary health care facilities in five low- and lower-middle income countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amani Siyam ◽  
Por Ir ◽  
Dararith York ◽  
James Antwi ◽  
Freddie Amponsah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Data ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Service Delivery Systems

Abstract Background Recording and reporting health data in facilities is the backbone of routine health information systems which provide data collected by health facility workers during service provision. Data is firstly collected in a register, to record patient health data and care process, and tallied into nationally designed reporting forms. While there is anecdotal evidence of large numbers of registers and reporting forms for primary health care (PHC) facilities, there are few systematic studies to document this potential burden on health workers. This multi-country study aimed to document the numbers of registers and reporting forms use at the PHC level and to estimate the time it requires for health workers to meet data demands. Methods In Cambodia, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria and Tanzania, a desk review was conducted to document registers and reporting forms mandated at the PHC level. In each country, visits to 16 randomly selected public PHC facilities followed to assess the time spent on paper-based recording and reporting. Information was collected through self-reports of estimated time use by health workers, and observation of 1360 provider-patient interactions. Data was primarily collected in outpatient care (OPD), antenatal care (ANC), immunization (EPI), family planning (FP), HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) services. Result Cross-countries, the average number of registers was 34 (ranging between 16 and 48). Of those, 77% were verified in use and each register line had at least 20 cells to be completed per patient. The mean time spent on recording was about one-third the total consultation time for OPD, FP, ANC and EPI services combined. Cross-countries, the average number of monthly reporting forms was 35 (ranging between 19 and 52) of which 78% were verified in use. The estimated time to complete monthly reporting forms was 9 h (ranging between 4 to 15 h) per month per health worker. Conclusions PHC facilities are mandated to use many registers and reporting forms pausing a considerable burden to health workers. Service delivery systems are expected to vary, however an imperative need remains to invest in international standards of facility-based registers and reporting forms, to ensure regular, comparable, quality-driven facility data collection and use.

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