scholarly journals Experiences of primary healthcare professionals and patients from an area of urban disadvantage: a qualitative study.

BJGP Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. bjgpopen19X101676
Author(s):  
Jennifer Reath ◽  
Marlee King ◽  
Walter Kmet ◽  
Diana O'Halloran ◽  
Ronald Brooker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Specialist Care ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
General Practices

BackgroundThe health disadvantage in socioeconomically marginalised urban settings can be challenging for health professionals, but strong primary health care improves health equity and outcomes.AimTo understand challenges and identify needs in general practices in a socioeconomically marginalised Australian setting.Design & settingQualitative methodology with general practices in a disadvantaged area of western Sydney.MethodSemi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals and their patients were transcribed and analysed thematically under the guidance of a reference group of stakeholder representatives.ResultsA total of 57 participants from 17 practices (comprising 16 GPs, five GP registrars [GPRs], 15 practice staff, 10 patients, and 11 allied health professionals [AHPs]), provided a rich description of local communities and patients, and highlighted areas of satisfaction and challenges of providing high quality health care in this setting. Interviewees identified issues with health systems impacting on patients and healthcare professionals, and recommended healthcare reform. Team-based, patient-centred models of primary health care with remuneration for quality of care rather than patient throughput were strongly advocated, along with strategies to improve patient access to specialist care.ConclusionThe needs of healthcare professionals and patients working and living in urban areas of disadvantage are not adequately addressed by the Australian health system. The authors recommend the implementation of local trials aimed at improving primary health care in areas of need, and wider health system reform in order to improve the health of those at socioeconomic and health disadvantage.

Challenges to the effective delivery of health care to people with chronic hepatitis B in Australia

Sexual Health ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Wallace ◽  
Stephen McNally ◽  
Jacqui Richmond ◽  
Behzad Hajarizadeh ◽  
Marian Pitts
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Health System ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis B ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Clinical Guidelines ◽  
Primary Health

Background The complexity of the hepatitis B natural history and its prevalence in specific populations in Australia challenges the capacity of the health system to deliver health care effectively to affected people. This study explores the challenges in delivering health care to people with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Australia. Methods: We conducted a grounded theory based qualitative study in which data were gathered from 70 in-depth interviews with government program officers, clinicians and health and community workers across Australia, and four focus group discussions with 40 health and community workers from the communities most at risk of CHB. Results: A systematic approach to screening populations at risk, including people born in countries with intermediate or high prevalence of CHB; consensus on clinical guidelines; development of a shared care framework for CHB involving general practitioners; and effective communication between patients and health professionals were identified as essential. Workforce development, particularly for primary health care professionals, and developing the knowledge and capacity of health professionals to communicate effectively with people with HBV were described as other major factors in reducing the barriers to CHB treatment in Australia. Conclusion: To improve the clinical management of people with CHB in Australia, the health system needs to encourage the screening of people at risk, improve access to clinical services, and the knowledge and communication skills of primary health care and community health service providers. This study supported developing a shared care model and related infrastructures including training programs, referral pathways and clinical guidelines.

scholarly journals Management of pharmaceutical services in the Brazilian primary health care

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (suppl.2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Letícia Farias Gerlack ◽  
Margô Gomes de Oliveira Karnikowski ◽  
Camila Alves Areda ◽  
Dayani Galato ◽  
Aline Gomes de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Pharmaceutical Services ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Health Board ◽  
Complex Samples ◽  
Financial Autonomy ◽  
Unified Health System ◽  
Primary Health

OBJECTIVE: To identify limiting factors in the management of pharmaceutical services in the primary health care provided by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). METHODS: This study was based on the data from the Pesquisa Nacional sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos no Brasil (PNAUM – National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines), and it was conducted by interviews with professionals responsible for pharmaceutical services in Brazilian cities, in 2015. To identify the management limiting factors, we considered the organizational, operational, and sustainability indicators of the management. For the analyses, we included the weights and structure of analysis plan for complex samples. The results were expressed by frequencies and measures of central tendency with 95% confidence interval, considering the Brazilian geographic regions. RESULTS: We identified the following limiting factors: lack of pharmaceutical services in the Municipal Health Secretariat organization chart (24%) and in the health plan (18%); lack of participation of managers in the Health Board and the absence of reference to this topic in the agenda of meetings (58.4%); lack of financial autonomy (61.5%) and lack of knowledge on the available values (81.7%); lack of adoption of operational procedures (about 50%) for selection, scheduling, and acquisition; and the fact that most professionals evaluate the organization of pharmaceutical services as good and great (58.8%), despite the worrisome indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmaceutical services management is currently supported by a legal and political framework that should guide and contribute to improve the pharmaceutical services in the Brazilian Unified Health System primary health care. However, there is a mismatch between the goals established by these guidelines and what is actually happening

scholarly journals Access to medicines by patients of the primary health care in the Brazilian Unified Health System

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 ◽  
pp. 20s ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Álvares ◽  
Augusto Afonso Guerra Junior ◽  
Vânia Eloisa de Araújo ◽  
Alessandra Maciel Almeida ◽  
Carolina Zampirolli Dias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Access To Medicines ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
Unified Health System ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Good For

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the access to medicines in primary health care of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), from the patients’ perspective. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that used data from the Pesquisa Nacional sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos – Services, 2015 (PNAUM – National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines), conducted by interviews with 8,591 patients in cities of the five regions of Brazil. Evaluation of access to medicines used concepts proposed by Penshansky and Thomas (1981), according to the dimensions: availability, accessibility, accommodation, acceptability, and affordability. Each dimension was evaluated by its own indicators. RESULTS: For the “availability” dimension, 59.8% of patients reported having full access to medicines, without significant difference between regions. For “accessibility,” 60% of patients declared that the basic health unit (UBS) was not far from their house, 83% said it was very easy/easy to get to the UBS, and most patients reported that they go walking (64.5%). For “accommodation,” UBS was evaluated as very good/good for the items “comfort” (74.2%) and “cleanliness” (90.9%), and 70.8% of patients reported that they do not wait to receive their medicines, although the average waiting time was 32.9 minutes. For “acceptability,” 93.1% of patients reported to be served with respect and courtesy by the staff of the dispensing units and 90.5% declared that the units’ service was very good/good. For “affordability,” 13% of patients reported not being able to buy something important to cover expenses with health problems, and 41.8% of participants pointed out the expense with medicines. CONCLUSIONS: Results show 70%–90% compliance, which is compatible with developed countries. However, access to medicines remains a challenge, because it is still heavily compromised by the low availability of essential medicines in public health units, showing that it does not occur universally, equally, and decisively to the population

scholarly journals Evaluation of Access on the perspective of adult users of Primary Health Care in Fortaleza, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Borges Costa ◽  
C Salles Gazeta Vieira Fernandes ◽  
T Custódio Mota ◽  
E Torquato Santos ◽  
M Moura de Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health System ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Health Coverage ◽  
Access To Health Services ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Care Assessment ◽  
The City

Abstract The Alma-Ata Conference promoted Primary Health Care (PHC) worldwide as a form of universal and continuous access to quality and effective health services. In Brazil, PHC, through the Family Health Strategy (FHS), aims to be the gateway to the health system and its structuring axis. For this, it is necessary to promote access, an essential condition for the quality of health care services, following the attributes systematized by Barbara Starfield. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of the attribute “First Contact Access” on the perspective of adult users of public PHC services in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. A transversal study was carried out, in 19 PHC Units, from June to December 2019, using the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool) Brazil version for adult users. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for statistical analysis. 233 users participated, mostly women (69.5%), aged 30 to 59 years old (55.3%), mixed-race (69.5%), with complete high school (38.2%), without private health coverage (89.3%), homeowners (68.7%) and belonging to families of up to 4 members (87.9%). The “Accessibility” component had the lowest score, 2.83, and the “Utilization” had the highest score, 8.06. Older age was associated with higher “Accessibility” scores (p = 0,018), while lower values of “Utilization” were associated with higher education (p = 0,004). The main problems observed were: low access for acute demand consultations, lack of access at nighttime and weekends, little access through non-personal ways, bureaucratic barriers and a long time for scheduling appointments. We conclude that, although there was an improvement in PHC coverage in the city over the years, mainly due to FHS, there is still a lot to improve to ensure timely access to health services. Key messages Users consider PHC as the usual source of care, demonstrated by the high score of 'Utilization', however, they are unable to use it when necessary, demonstrated by the low score of 'Accessibility'. Expanding forms of access is essential to contribute to the strengthening of PHC in Fortaleza, Brazil, facilitating the entry to its national Universal Health System.

scholarly journals Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and gastroprotection in primary health care users

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Driton Shabani ◽  
Ardiana Murtezani ◽  
Bernard Tahirbegolli ◽  
Argjira Juniku–Shkololli ◽  
Zana Ibraimi
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Gastroprotective Drugs

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of gastroprotection and identify the main factors that influence the taking of protective drugs among the adult population, who are treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Material and Methods: This study was cross-sectional, conducted by including a contingent of 800 users of primary health care services (n=369, 46% males and n=431, 54% females). Included in the study were individuals of both sexes aged 18+ who sought counselling or treatment during the three-month period. The data collection of this study was based on the completion of a structured questionnaire, which included questions related to the use of NSAID and the modalities for the description and application of these drugs, and simultaneous taking of gastroprotective drugs. Results: The prevalence of the gastroprotective drugs use was higher among the elderly, individuals living in urban areas, those with higher education, those with daily use of NSAID, individuals receiving prescriptions from their own doctors, and those suffering side effects from the use of NSAID, as well as subjects that had a longer duration of NSAID use. Conclusion: This paper demonstrates the need to improve the quality of primary health care service through informing and educating patients regarding the need to take gastro-protective drugs for those in high risk of adverse effects manifested by the use of NSAID.

scholarly journals Satisfaction of clients with disabilities with services offered at primary health care centres in Ndola, Zambia

2012 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Mlenzana ◽  
R. Mwansa
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Waiting Times ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Primary Health

To establish satisfaction level of persons with disabilitiesregarding health services at primary health care centres in Ndola, Zambia.Key stakeholders views on satisfaction of services is an important componentof service rendering thus obtaining information is important in assistingwith the evaluation of health care service delivery. This will assist in improvingeffectiveness and availability of health care services to persons with physicaldisabilities.All persons with disabilities attending both rehabilitation centres andprimary health care centres in Ndola, Zambia, were targeted for this study. Willing participants were convenientlyselected to take part in the study.A cross sectional, descriptive study design using quantitative methods of data collection was used. The GeneralPractice Assessment Questionnaire was adjusted, piloted for Ndola population and used in this study to establishsatisfaction of participants. The study was ethically cleared at the University of the Western Cape and Zambia.Information and consent forms were signed by participants.Quantitative data was analysed descriptively and was reported in percentages.In the current study there were 191 participants of whom 56% were male and 44% were female with age rangefrom 18-65 years. Fifty-two percent of the participants presented with learning disabilities and 38% of persons withphysical disabilities. Majority of clients (54%) were dissatisfied with availability of services and health care servicesat the health care centres. Areas that clients were dissatisfied with were accessibility, consultation with health professionals,waiting times and opening hours of the health care centres.Clients with disabilities who accessed health care services from selected health centres in Ndola were dissatisfiedwith aspects of health services. Accessibility, consultation with health professionals, waiting times and opening hoursof the health care centres were the origin of client dissatisfaction. Other clients were satisfied with thoroughness ofhealth care providers regarding symptoms, feelings, reception and treatment received at the primary health care centre.Understanding the views of the clients is essential in improving health delivery services and could impact on thecompliance of people attending primary health care services.

scholarly journals Mental health in primary health care: professionals’ perceptions and patients’ levels of depression, anxiety and stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Varela Madureira ◽  
Maria Cristina Quintas Antunes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Primary Health

Background: The integration of mental health in primary health care, throughout its various functional units and with effective articulation between primary health care and mental health services, has been considered an essential objective of the legislative documents produced in the last three decades in Portugal, among them the National Health Plan 2011-2016.Goals: This study aimed to inquire health professionals’ perceptions about mental health care provided by public primary health care units, namely their perceptions about the mental health of their patients. It also intended to explore the difficulties perceived by the health professionals in their daily activity about the mental health problems of their patients and about the need of clinical psychologists’ activity in the public primary health care.Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study with two non-probabilistic samples: health professionals (doctors, nurses and psychologists) and patients from two public health care units. Health professionals were interviewed (individual structured face-to-face interviews) about their perceptions of needs for improving their capacity to provide mental healthcare and about patients’ mental health conditions. Patients responded (by self-administration) to the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), providing a characterization of patients’ stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression.Results: Health professionals in their daily practice often identify in their patients symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression (most particularly in adults),. Several issues were identified as problematic, such as: poor access of the referral system for psychiatric and clinical psychological specialized care, insufficient number of health professionals, particularly of psychologists, and lack of appropriate mental health care specialization. The results also revealed relevant levels of stress, anxiety and depression in primary health care patients (both genders), which seem to increase with age. Discussion: Difficulties identified by health professionals may relate to the centralisation of resources, resistance to change from human resources management, lack of consensus among the various decision groups linked to mental health and, at institutional level, insufficient and inadequate funding. These factors may contribute to a failure in early diagnosis of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. It is expected that articulation between primary health services and differentiated health services will improve, with improvement in teamwork among professionals and increase of the quality of life of users, satisfaction with work, from health professionals,  and reduction of health costs.

scholarly journals 8.2. Prospects for the use of a comprehensive assessment of the resource potential of medical organizations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
С.С. Бударин ◽  
Ю.В. Эльбек
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Comprehensive Assessment ◽  
State Health ◽  
Resource Potential ◽  
Primary Health ◽  
Potential Use

Статья посвящена рассмотрению методики комплексной оценки ресурсного потенциала медицинских организаций, оказывающих населению первичную медико-санитарную помощь. Предложена система показателей оценки эффективности использования ресурсного потенциала по трем направлениям – экономичность, продуктивность, результативность, – сформированная с использованием элементов методологии аудита эффективности. На основании данных медицинских организаций государственной системы здравоохранения г. Москвы, выбранных для исследования, рассчитана комплексная оценка их ресурсного потенциала. The article is devoted to the method of complex assessment of the resource potential of medical organizations that provide primary health care to the population. A system of indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of resource potential use in three areas: Efficiency, Productivity, and Effectiveness, formed using elements of the efficiency audit methodology. A comprehensive assessment of their resource potential is calculated, based on the data of medical organizations of the Moscow state health system selected for the study.

Resolution And Continuity Of Primary Health Care: Reference And Counter-Reference In The Sus (Unified Health System)

2017 ◽  
Vol 04 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Beatriz Rodrigues Criscuolo ◽  
Duane Ferreira Melo ◽  
Selma Maria da Fonseca Viegas
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health System ◽  
Unified Health System ◽  
Primary Health
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