scholarly journals Exploring patient-provider interactions and the health system’s responsiveness to street-connected children and youth in Kenya: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Embleton Lonnie ◽  
Shah Pooja ◽  
Gayapersad Allison ◽  
Kiptui Reuben ◽  
Ayuku David ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Socially Constructed ◽  
Prompt Attention

Abstract Background In Kenya, street-connected children and youth (SCY) have poor health outcomes and die prematurely due to preventable causes. This suggests they are not accessing or receiving adequately responsive healthcare to prevent morbidity and mortality. We sought to gain insight into the health systems responsiveness to SCY in Kenya through an in-depth exploration of SCY’s and healthcare provider’s reflections on their interactions with each other. Methods This qualitative study was conducted across 5 counties in western Kenya between May 2017 and September 2018 using multiple methods to explore and describe the public perceptions of, and proposed and existing responses to, the phenomenon of SCY in Kenya. The present analysis focuses on a subset of data from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews concerning the delivery of healthcare to SCY, interactions between SCY and providers, and SCY’s experiences in the health system. We conducted a thematic analysis situated in a conceptual framework for health systems responsiveness. Results Through three themes, context, negative patient-provider interactions, and positive patient-provider interactions, we identified factors that shape health systems responsiveness to SCY in Kenya. Economic factors influenced and limited SCY’s interactions with the health system and shaped their experiences of dignity, quality of basic amenities, choice of provider, and prompt attention. The stigmatization and discrimination of SCY, a sociological process shaped by the social-cultural context in Kenya, resulted in experiences of indignity and a lack of prompt attention when interacting with the health system. Patient-provider interactions were highly influenced by healthcare providers’ adverse personal emotions and attitudes towards SCY, resulting in negative interactions and a lack of health systems responsiveness. Conclusions This study suggests that the health system in Kenya is inadequately responsive to SCY. Increasing public health expenditures and expanding universal health coverage may begin to address economic factors, such as the inability to pay for care, which influence SCY’s experiences of choice of provider, prompt attention, and dignity. The deeply embedded adverse emotional responses expressed by providers about SCY, associated with the socially constructed stigmatization of this population, need to be addressed to improve patient-provider interactions.

scholarly journals Unraveling PBF effects beyond impact evaluation: results from a qualitative study in Cameroon

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e000693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela De Allegri ◽  
Maria Paola Bertone ◽  
Shannon McMahon ◽  
Idrissou Mounpe Chare ◽  
Paul Jacob Robyn
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health System ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Impact Evaluation ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Demand Side ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Implementation Processes ◽  
Heterogeneous Effects

IntroductionPerformance-based financing (PBF) has acquired increased prominence as a means of reforming health system purchasing structures in low-income and middle-income countries. A number of impact evaluations have noted that PBF often produces mixed and heterogeneous effects. Still, little systematic effort has been channelled towards understanding what causes such heterogeneity, including looking more closely at implementation processes.MethodsOur qualitative study aimed at closing this gap in knowledge by attempting to unpack the mixed and heterogeneous effects detected by the PBF impact evaluation in Cameroon to inform further implementation as the country scales up the PBF approach. We collected data at all levels of the health system (national, district, facility) and at the community level, using a mixture of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. We combined deductive and inductive analytical techniques and applied analyst triangulation.ResultsOur findings indicate that heterogeneity in effects across facilities could be explained by pre-existing infrastructural weaknesses coupled with rigid administrative processes and implementation challenges, while heterogeneity across indicators could be explained by providers’ practices, privileging services where demand-side barriers were less substantive.ConclusionIn light of the country’s commitment to scaling up PBF, it follows that substantial efforts (particularly entrusting facilities with more financial autonomy) should be made to overcome infrastructural and demand-side barriers and to smooth implementation processes, thus, enabling healthcare providers to use PBF resources and management models to a fuller potential.

scholarly journals 31.F. Workshop: Health system (performance) assessment: working towards a common approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Performance Assessment ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
System Performance ◽  
Health System Performance ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Health System Performance Assessment ◽  
Health Systems Performance ◽  
Universal Health

Abstract Since the publication of the World Health Report 2000, which aimed at assessing health systems performance globally, a number of health systems performance assessment (HSPA) frameworks and tools, designed for various purposes, have emerged. In 2017, the joint Universal Health Coverage 2030 Technical Working Group on Health Systems Assessment (TWG), consisting of health policy makers and global actors, such as the WHO, World Bank, USAID, Unicef, European Commission, OECD, etc., was formed with the aim to align the existing tools and develop a common approach to understanding and measuring health systems performance globally. As part of this work, the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies (OBS) has developed a Health Systems Performance Assessment framework for Universal Health Coverage (HSPA Framework for UHC), that allows to evaluate health system performance, largely by drawing on the information available in the existing tools or through global data collection initiatives. Suggested approach is based on the detailed assessment of the four health system functions (governance, financing, resource generation and service delivery) and their sub-functions, the interaction of which jointly leads to the successes and failures in the achievement of health system goals. We propose distinct assessment areas for specific functions and sub-functions as a way to identify potential strengths and weaknesses, which can then be related to actions or responsibilities of specific actors within a health system, or linkages to other sectors. The objective of the workshop is to introduce the background, rationale, methods and process of developing of the HSPA framework for UHC; present a systematic approach to assessing various functions of health system and their interactions; relate the assessment areas of specific functions and sub-functions to the final health system goals; and, finally, to test the use of the framework in practice. The workshop is structured as follows: the workshop will start from the four 10-minute presentations (outlined below), followed by an interactive session with the audience to discuss the content of the framework and elaborate on its potential use for HSPA and applications globally. Key messages The HSPA framework for UHC is an approach that allows to bring together existing HSPA efforts and moves towards a more systematic and universally applicable health system performance assessment. The approach assesses performance through attribution of various health system outcomes to specific functions and sub-functions, allowing to identify strengths and weaknesses that affect performance.

scholarly journals Changing the Conversation, Why We Need to Reframe Corruption as a Public Health Issue Comment on "We Need to Talk About Corruption in Health Systems"

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Policy Dialogue ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Policy Makers

There has been slow progress with finding practical solutions to health systems corruption, a topic that has long languished in policy-makers "too difficult tray." Efforts to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) provide a new imperative for addressing the long-standing problem of corruption in health systems making fighting corruption at all levels and in all its forms a priority. In response, health system corruption should be classified as a risk to public health and addressed by adopting a public health approach. Taking a public health approach to health systems corruption could promote a new paradigm for working on health system anti-corruption efforts. A public health approach could increase the space for policy dialogue about corruption, focus work to address corruption on prevention, help generate and disseminate evidence about effective interventions strategies, and because of its focus on multisectoral action would provide new opportunities for promoting cooperation on anti-corruption work across multiple agencies and sectors. Using a public health approach to tackle health system corruption could help address the current inertia around the topic and create a new positive mindset among policy-makers who would come to see corruption as a manageable public health problem rather than an intractable one.

scholarly journals Challenges to effective governance in a low income healthcare system: a qualitative study of stakeholder perceptions in Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah C Masefield ◽  
Alan Msosa ◽  
Jean Grugel
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health System ◽  
National Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
National Health System ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Coverage

Abstract BackgroundAll countries face challenging decisions about healthcare coverage. Malawi has committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, the timeframe set out by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As in other low income countries, scarce resources stand in the way of more equitable health access and quality in Malawi. Its health sector is highly dependent on donor contributions, and recent poor governance of government-funded healthcare saw donors withdraw funding, limiting services and resources. The 2017 National Health Plan II and accompanying Health Strategic Plan II identify the importance of improved governance and strategies to achieve more effective cooperation with stakeholders. This study explores health sector stakeholders’ perceptions of the challenges to improving governance in Malawi’s national health system within the post-2017 context of government attempts to articulate a way forward.MethodsA qualitative study design was used. Interviews were conducted with 22 representatives of major international and faith-based non-government organisations, civil society organisations, local government and government-funded organisations, and governance bodies operating in Malawi. Open questions were asked about experiences and perceptions of the functioning of the health system and healthcare decision-making. Content relating to healthcare governance was identified in the transcripts and field notes and analysed using inductive content analysis.ResultsStakeholders view governance challenges as a significant barrier to achieving a more effective and equitable health system. Three categories were identified: accountability (enforceability; answerability; stakeholder-led initiatives); health resource management (healthcare financing; drug supply); influence in decision-making (unequal power; stakeholder engagement).ConclusionsHealth sector stakeholders see serious political, structural, and financial challenges to improving governance in the national health system in Malawi which will impact the government’s goal of achieving UHC by 2030. Stakeholders identify the need for improved oversight, implementation, service delivery and social accountability of government-funded service providers to communities. Eighteen months after the introduction of the policy documents, they see little evidence of improved governance and have little or no confidence in the government’s ability to deliver UHC. The difficulties stakeholders perceive in relation to building equitable and effective healthcare governance in Malawi have relevance for other resource-limited countries which have also committed to the goal of UHC.

scholarly journals Building health system resilience in the context of primary health care revitalization for attainment of UHC: proceedings from the Fifth Health Sector Directors’ Policy and Planning Meeting for the WHO African Region

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (S19) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prosper Tumusiime ◽  
Humphrey Karamagi ◽  
Regina Titi-Ofei ◽  
Michelle Amri ◽  
Aminata Binetou Wahebine Seydi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Systems Strengthening ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
African Region ◽  
Health Service Provision ◽  
Primary Health

Abstract Background The recent 2018 Declaration of Astana recognized primary health care (PHC) as a means to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following this declaration, country progress on operationalization of the PHC agenda and attainment of UHC has been stalled by the new challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has also disrupted the continuity of essential health service provision and tested the resilience of the region’s health systems. Methods In accordance with this, the WHO Regional Office for Africa convened the Fifth Health Sector Directors’ Planning and Policy Meeting across the 47 Member States of the Region. The two-day forum focused on building health system resilience to facilitate service continuity during health threats, PHC revitalization, and health systems strengthening towards UHC. Results The Regional Forum provided evidence on building resilient health systems in the WHO African Region and engaged participants in meaningful and critical discussion. It is from these discussions that four key themes emerged: (1) working multisectorally/intersectorally, (2) moving from fragmentation to integration, (3) ensuring implementation and knowledge exchange, and (4) rethinking resilience and embracing antifragility. These discussions and associated groupings by thematic areas lend themselves to recommendations for the WHO. Conclusions This paper details the proceedings and key findings on building resilient health systems, the four themes that emerged from participant deliberation, and the recommendations that have emerged from the meeting. Deliberations from the Regional Forum are critical, as they have the potential to directly inform policy and program design, given that the meeting convenes health sector technocrats, who are at the helm of policy design, action, and implementation.

21.G. Round table: Strengthening national level health systems governance

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Eastern Europe ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Universal Health Coverage ◽  
National Level ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Universal Health ◽  
Health Systems Governance

Abstract Very often, important health system reforms are delayed, rendered ineffective or they simply go badly wrong. All too often this happens not because of a lack of money, health workers or health care facilities but because we adopt unfit ideas and decision and/or implement them insufficiently. The incapacity to develop, adopt and implement good decision is quintessentially the definition of bad governance. If we are to develop our health systems towards Universal Health Coverage and health systems performance improvement, we will need to strengthen our health system governance. Governance is vitally important to health systems reform and refers to how decisions are made and implemented - everything from the ability of policy-makers to take evidence-based and relevant decisions to their ability to implement policies and create alignment between different actors. In this workshop we will share experiences from a governance spring course for policy makers from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Connected to this we will also share preliminary results of a study on National Level Health Systems Governance. The panelists will address five key issues The contribution of governance to Universal Health Coverage. This contribution will focus on a) the concept of governance defined as the way societies make and implement collective decisions and b) its 5 main domains including transparency, accountability, participation, integrity and capacity. (S Greer)Governance improvement needs in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: experiences from working with policy makers including countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. For purpose of peer-learning and contrasting experiences we have paired these countries with policy makers from Austria, Finland and Ireland (G Pastorino)Stakeholder participation in decision making and implementation: Very often, powerful stakeholders, like the medical profession, is over-represented and exerts immense veto power, while the voice of other professions, patients, and citizens remained unheard. What are the governance strategies and instruments to harness those underrepresented stakeholders for Universal Health Coverage? (G Fattore)Governing centralized and decentralized budgets in primary, social and hospital care: population-based health care in larger countries requires decentralization of part of the health care budget. What are the accountability lines and instruments that ensure that regional and local budget holders aligning with national policies for Universal Health Coverage? (L Hawkins)Governance contribution addressing corruption: According to surveys health systems are perceived prone to corruption. What is the contribution of governance to heal corruption and make the system work according to rules? (D Clarke) Key messages If we are to make progress towards Universal Health Coverage, we will need to strengthen health systems governance. Without strengthening health systems governance we will fail to manage stakeholders, budgets and corruption.

scholarly journals Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Childbirth among Pastoralist Women in North-Eastern Ethiopia: A Multimethod Qualitative Analysis to the WHO Health Systems Responsiveness Framework

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12518
Author(s):  
Nejimu Biza Zepro ◽  
Araya Abrha Medhanyie ◽  
Afework Mulugeta Bezabih ◽  
Natalie Tarr ◽  
Sonja Merten
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Skilled Delivery ◽  
Values And Beliefs ◽  
Prompt Attention

Maternity should be a time of hope and joy. However, for women in pastoralist communities in Ethiopia, the reality of motherhood is often grim. This problem is creating striking disparities of skilled birth uptake among the agrarian and pastoral communities in Ethiopia. So far, the depth and effects of the problem are not well understood. This study is intended to fill this research gap by exploring mothers’ lived experiences and perceptions during skilled birthing care in hard-to-reach communities of Ethiopia. An Interpretive Phenomenological approach was employed to analyse the exploratory data. Four key informant interviews, six in-depth interviews, six focus group discussions, and twelve focused observations were held. WHO responsiveness domains formed the basis for coding and analysis: dignity, autonomy, choice of provider, prompt attention, communication, social support, confidentiality, and quality of basic amenities. The skilled birthing experience of nomadic mothers is permeated by a deep-rooted and hidden perceived neglect, which constitutes serious challenges to the health system. Mothers’ experiences reflect not only the poor skilled delivery uptake, but also how health system practitioners are ignorant of Afar women’s way of life, their living contexts, and their values and beliefs regarding giving birth. Three major themes emerged from data analysis: bad staff attitude, lack of culturally acceptable care, and absence of social support. Nomadic mothers require health systems that are responsive and adaptable to their needs, beliefs, and values. The abuse and disrespect they experience from providers deter nomadic women from seeking skilled birthing care. Women’s right to dignified, respectful, skilled delivery care requires the promotion of woman-centred care in a culturally appropriate manner. Skilled birthing care providers should be cognizant of the WHO responsiveness domains to ensure the provision of culturally sensitive birthing care.

scholarly journals Evaluating and strengthening the health system of Curaҫao to improve its performance for future outbreaks of vector-borne diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaitiare Mulderij-Jansen ◽  
Izzy Gerstenbluth ◽  
Ashley Duits ◽  
Adriana Tami ◽  
Ajay Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Entomological Surveillance ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
System Building ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Dutch Caribbean ◽  
Health System Building Blocks

Abstract Background Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika pose a significant challenge to health systems in countries they affect, especially countries with less developed healthcare systems. Therefore, countries are encouraged to work towards more resilient health systems. This qualitative study aims to examine the performance of the health system of the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaҫao regarding the prevention and control of VBDs in the last decade by using the WHO health system building blocks. Methods From November 2018 to December 2020, a multi-method qualitative study was performed in Curaçao, applying content analysis of documents (n = 50), five focus group discussions (n = 30), interviews with experts (n = 11) and 15 observation sessions. The study was designed based on the WHO framework: health system building blocks. Two cycles of inductive and deductive coding were employed, and Nvivo software was used to analyse the data. Results This study’s data highlighted the challenges (e.g. insufficient oversight, coordination, leadership skills, structure and communication) that the departments of the health system of Curaҫao faced during the last three epidemics of VBDs (2010–2020). Furthermore, low levels of collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organisations (e.g. semi-governmental and private laboratories) and insufficient capacity building to improve skills (e.g. entomological, surveillance skills) were also observed. Lastly, we observed how bottlenecks in one building block negatively influenced other building blocks (e.g. inadequate leadership/governance obstructed the workforce's performance). Conclusions This study uncovers potential organisational bottlenecks that have affected the performance of the health system of Curaҫao negatively. We recommend starting with the reinforcement of oversight of the integrated vector management programme to ensure the development, implementation and evaluation of related legislation, policies and interventions. Also, we recommend evaluating and reforming the existing administrative and organisational structure of the health system by considering the cultural style, challenges and barriers of the current health system. More efforts are needed to improve the documentation of agreements, recruitment and evaluation of the workforce's performance. Based on our findings, we conceptualised actions to strengthen the health system's building blocks to improve its performance for future outbreaks of infectious diseases. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Challenges to effective governance in a low income healthcare system: a qualitative study of stakeholder perceptions in Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah C Masefield ◽  
Alan Msosa ◽  
Jean Grugel
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health System ◽  
National Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
National Health System ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Coverage

Abstract Background: All countries face challenging decisions about healthcare coverage. The scare resources of low income countries prevent improvements in equitable access and quality. Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world, has committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030. The health sector is highly dependent on donor contributions, but recent poor governance of government-funded healthcare saw donors withdraw funding, limiting services and resources. The 2017 updated National Health Plan II and accompanying Health Strategic Plan II identify the importance of improved governance and strategies to achieve it, including greater harmonisation with health stakeholders. This study explores health sector stakeholders’ perceptions of challenges to improving governance in the national health system. Methods: A qualitative study design was used. Interviews were conducted with 22 representatives of the major international and faith-based non-government organisations, civil society organisations, local government and government-funded organisations, and governance bodies operating in Malawi. Open questions were asked about experiences and perceptions of the functioning of the health system and healthcare decision-making. The transcripts and field notes were analysed using inductive content analysis.Results: Stakeholders view governance challenges as a barrier to achieving a more effective and equitable health system. Three types of challenges were identified: accountability (enforceability; answerability; stakeholder-led initiatives); health resource management (healthcare financing; drug supply); influence in decision-making (unequal power; stakeholder engagement).Conclusions: Health sector stakeholders see a range of serious challenges to improving governance in the national health system in Malawi which will impact on the government’s goal of achieving UHC by 2030. These can be categorised as political, structural, and financial challenges. Stakeholders identify the need for improved oversight, implementation, service delivery and social accountability of government-funded service providers to communities. Eighteen months after the introduction of the NHP II and HSSP II, they see little evidence of improved governance and have little or no confidence in the government’s ability to deliver UHC in the timeframe set out by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The difficulties stakeholders perceive in relation to building equitable and effective health governance in Malawi have relevance for other resource-limited countries which have also committed to the goal of UHC.

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