scholarly journals Obstacles faced by healthcare providers during COVID-19 pandemic in Sudan

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 1615-1617
Author(s):  
Sarah Misbah EL-Sadig ◽  
Nouh Saad Mohamed ◽  
Eiman Siddig Ahmed ◽  
Mohammed Afif Alayeib ◽  
Leena Haider Tahir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coming Out ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Difficult Time ◽  
Civilian Leadership ◽  
New Democracy ◽  
Socioeconomic Crisis

The impacts of COVID -19 pandemic have been quite significant on healthcare providers. I was particularly challenging for those in Low and Middle-Income Countries including Sudan . Unfortunately, the pandemic has hit Sudan on extremely difficult time for the country and its people. The country was coming out of long-brutal and devastating dictatorship and transitioning to new democracy with civilian leadership. In addition to the pandemic related issues, trying to rebuild the health system during socioeconomic crisis, healthcare providers  in the country were challenged personally and professionally. These challenges include the stress of working in under-resourced settings with limited access to personal-protection equipment and testing kits raised the fear of contracting the virus and spreading it to their families. The professional, social, and personal life of healthcare providers have been dramatically changed by the ongoing pandemic, however, they are heroically accepting this change in a hope that, this will save the life of many more people. Nevertheless, their fights and sacrifices should at least be rewarded by governments and communities altogether strictly enforce the implementation of other preventive measures including vaccination, face masking, and social distancing and get all protected. We should all understand that, unless we are all protected no one is protected, so all must adapt to the new norm of life and collaborate not only on ending this pandemic but to prevent similar ones in the future.

Primary healthcare providers' attitudes and beliefs about the menopause-related care needs of women who have migrated from low- and middle-income countries to Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Karin A. Stanzel ◽  
Karin Hammarberg ◽  
Jane Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Migrant Women ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Structural Support ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Primary Healthcare Providers ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Health behaviour during midlife is linked to health outcomes in older age. Primary healthcare providers (PHCPs) are ideally placed to provide health-promoting information opportunistically to women in midlife. The aim of this study was to explore PHCPs views about the menopause-related care needs of migrant women from low- and middle-income countries and what they perceive as barriers and enablers for providing this. Of the 139 PHCPs who responded to an anonymous online survey, less than one-third (29.9%) routinely offered menopause-related information during consultations with migrant women. Most agreed that short appointments times (70.8%), lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate menopause information (82.5%) and lack of confidence in providing menopause-related care (32.5%) are barriers for providing comprehensive menopause-related care to migrant women. To overcome these, a menopause-specific Medicare item number and a one-stop website with health information in community languages were suggested. These findings suggest that menopause-related care is not routinely offered by PHCPs to migrant women from low- and middle- income countries and that their capacity to do this may be improved with adequate educational and structural support.

scholarly journals Reforming medical education admission and training in low- and middle-income countries: who gets admitted and why it matters

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Tumlinson ◽  
Dilshad Jaff ◽  
Barbara Stilwell ◽  
Dickens Otieno Onyango ◽  
Kenneth L. Leonard
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Negative Behaviors ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
And Training ◽  
Low And Middle Income

AbstractRecent studies reveal public-sector healthcare providers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are frequently absent from work, solicit informal payments for service delivery, and engage in disrespectful or abusive treatment of patients. While extrinsic factors may foster and facilitate these negative practices, it is not often feasible to alter the external environment in low-resource settings. In contrast, healthcare professionals with strong intrinsic motivation and a desire to serve the needs of their community are less likely to engage in these negative behaviors and may draw upon internal incentives to deliver a high quality of care. Reforming medical education admission and training practices in LMICs is one promising strategy for increasing the prevalence of medical professionals with strong intrinsic motivation.

scholarly journals How does performance-based financing affect the availability of essential medicines in Cameroon? A qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii4-iii19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isidore Sieleunou ◽  
Anne-Marie Turcotte-Tremblay ◽  
Manuela De Allegri ◽  
Jean-Claude Taptué Fotso ◽  
Habakkuk Azinyui Yumo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Performance Based Financing ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Performance-based financing (PBF) is being implemented across low- and middle-income countries to improve the availability and quality of health services, including medicines. Although a few studies have examined the effects of PBF on the availability of essential medicines (EMs) in low- and middle-income countries, there is limited knowledge of the mechanisms underlying these effects. Our research aimed to explore how PBF in Cameroon influenced the availability of EMs, and to understand the pathways leading to the experiential dimension related with the observed changes. The design was an exploratory qualitative study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, using semi-structured questionnaires. Key informants were selected using purposive sampling. The respondents (n = 55) included health services managers, healthcare providers, health authorities, regional drugs store managers and community members. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using qualitative data analysis software. Thematic analysis was performed. Our findings suggest that the PBF programme improved the perceived availability of EMs in three regions in Cameroon. The change in availability of EMs experienced by stakeholders resulted from several pathways, including the greater autonomy of facilities, the enforced regulation from the district medical team, the greater accountability of the pharmacy attendant and supply system liberalization. However, a sequence of challenges, including delays in PBF payments, limited autonomy, lack of leadership and contextual factors such as remoteness or difficulty in access, was perceived to hinder the capacity to yield optimal changes, resulting in heterogeneity in performance between health facilities. The participants raised concerns regarding the quality control of drugs, the inequalities between facilities and the fragmentation of the drug management system. The study highlights that some specific dimensions of PBF, such as pharmacy autonomy and the liberalization of drugs supply systems, need to be supported by equity interventions, reinforced regulation and measures to ensure the quality of drugs at all levels.

scholarly journals What theories underpin performance-based financing? A scoping review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Paul ◽  
Oriane Bodson ◽  
Valéry Ridde
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Principal Agent ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Principal Agent Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Agent Theory ◽  
Performance Based Financing

PurposeThe study aims to explore the theoretical bases justifying the use of performance-based financing (PBF) in the health sector in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a scoping review of the literature on PBF so as to identify the theories utilized to underpin it and analyzed its theoretical justifications.FindingsSixty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Economic theories were predominant, with the principal-agent theory being the most commonly-used theory, explicitly referred to by two-thirds of included studies. Psychological theories were also common, with a wide array of motivation theories. Other disciplines in the form of management or organizational science, political and social science and systems approaches also contributed. However, some of the theories referred to contradicted each other. Many of the studies included only casually alluded to one or more theories, and very few used these theories to justify or support PBF. No theory emerged as a dominant, consistent and credible justification of PBF, perhaps except for the principal-agent theory, which was often inappropriately applied in the included studies, and when it included additional assumptions reflecting the contexts of the health sector in LMICs, might actually warn against adopting PBF.Practical implicationsOverall, this review has not been able to identify a comprehensive, credible, consistent, theoretical justification for using PBF rather than alternative approaches to health system reforms and healthcare providers' motivation in LMICs.Originality/valueThe theoretical justifications of PBF in the health sector in LMICs are under-documented. This review is the first of this kind and should encourage further debate and theoretical exploration of the justifications of PBF.

scholarly journals Root Causes of Fungal Coinfections in COVID-19 Infected Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1018-1035
Author(s):  
Arman Amin ◽  
Artin Vartanian ◽  
Nicole Poladian ◽  
Alexander Voloshko ◽  
Aram Yegiazaryan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Favorable Conditions

COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has infected over 200 million people, causing over 4 million deaths. COVID-19 infection has been shown to lead to hypoxia, immunosuppression, host iron depletion, hyperglycemia secondary to diabetes mellitus, as well as prolonged hospitalizations. These clinical manifestations provide favorable conditions for opportunistic fungal pathogens to infect hosts with COVID-19. Interventions such as treatment with corticosteroids and mechanical ventilation may further predispose COVID-19 patients to acquiring fungal coinfections. Our literature review found that fungal coinfections in COVID-19 infected patients were most commonly caused by Aspergillus, Candida species, Cryptococcus neoformans, and fungi of the Mucorales order. The distribution of these infections, particularly Mucormycosis, was found to be markedly skewed towards low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this review is to identify possible explanations for the increase in fungal coinfections seen in COVID-19 infected patients so that physicians and healthcare providers can be conscious of factors that may predispose these patients to fungal coinfections in order to provide more favorable patient outcomes. After identifying risk factors for coinfections, measures should be taken to minimize the dosage and duration of drugs such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and antibiotics.

scholarly journals Barriers to medication adherence in a rural-urban dual economy: a multi-stakeholder qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Xu ◽  
Mengxi Zhao ◽  
Athina Vrosgou ◽  
Natalie Chin Wen Yu ◽  
Chelsea Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Secondary Prevention ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Medication Regimen ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Beijing China ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background One of the most cost-effective treatments for secondary prevention of stroke and other non-communicable diseases is a long-term medication regimen. However, the complexities of medication adherence extend far beyond individual behavior change, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to examine stakeholder perspectives on barriers to medication adherence for stroke patients in Beijing, China, identifying opportunities to improve care and policy in resource-constrained settings. Methods We conducted a qualitative, phenomenological analysis of data obtained from 36 individuals. Participants were patients; caregivers; healthcare providers; and representatives from industry and government, purposively selected to synthesize multiple perspectives on medication management and adherence for stroke secondary prevention in Beijing, China. Data was analyzed by thematic analysis across iterative coding cycles. Results Four major themes characterized barriers on medication adherence, across stakeholders and geographies: limitations driven by individual patient knowledge / attitudes; lack of patient-provider interaction time; lack of coordination across the stratified health system; and lack of affordability driven by high overall costs and limited insurance policies. Conclusions These barriers to medication management and adherence suggest opportunities for policy reform and local practice changes, particularly for multi-tiered health systems. Findings from this study in Beijing, China could be explored for applicability in other low- and middle-income countries with urban centers serving large geographic regions.

scholarly journals The quality of and women’s satisfaction with maternal referral practices in Sub-Saharan African low and lower-middle income countries: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw ◽  
Carolyne Njue ◽  
Nguyen Toan Tran ◽  
Angela Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Neonatal Morbidity ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Referral Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Sub-Saharan African Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries (SSA LLMICs have the highest burden of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in the world. Timely and appropriate obstetric referral to a suitable health facility is a sign of effective health system. This paper presents the findings of a systematic review that aimed to identify what referral practices are delivered according to accepted standards for pregnant women and newborns in SSA LLMICs by competent healthcare providers and in line with the need and wishes of women. Methods: Six electronic databases were systematically searched for primary data studies (2009-2018) in English reporting on maternal referral practices and their effectiveness. We conducted a content analysis guided by a framework for assessing the quality of maternal referral. The articles defined quality referral as: the timely identification of signal functions, established guidelines or standards, adequate documentation, staff accompaniment and prompt care by competent healthcare providers at the receiving facility. Results: Seventeen articles were included in the study. Most studies were quantitative (n=11). Two studies reported that women were dissatisfied due to delays in referral processes that affected their health. Most of the articles (10) reported that women were not accompanied to higher levels of healthcare, delays in referral processes, transportation challenges and poor referral documentation. Some healthcare providers administered essential drugs such as misoprostol prior to referral. Conclusions: Efforts to improve maternal health in LLMICs should aim to enhance maternal healthcare providers’ ability to identify conditions that demand referral. Low cost transport is needed to mitigate transportation barriers of referral. To ensure quality maternal referral, mechanisms should be instituted for health managers at the district level to monitor and evaluate referral documentation, quality and efficiency of maternal referrals on regular basis.

scholarly journals The quality of and women’s satisfaction with maternal referral practices in Sub-Saharan African low and lower-middle income countries: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw ◽  
Carolyne Njue ◽  
Nguyen Toan Tran ◽  
Angela Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Neonatal Morbidity ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Referral Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Sub-Saharan African Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries (SSA LLMICs have the highest burden of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in the world. Timely and appropriate obstetric referral to a suitable health facility is a sign of effective health system. This paper presents the findings of a systematic review that aimed to identify what referral practices are delivered according to accepted standards for pregnant women and newborns in SSA LLMICs by competent healthcare providers and in line with the need and wishes of women. Methods: Six electronic databases were systematically searched for primary data studies (2009-2018) in English reporting on maternal referral practices and their effectiveness. We conducted a content analysis guided by a framework for assessing the quality of maternal referral. The articles defined quality referral as: the timely identification of signal functions, established guidelines or standards, adequate documentation, staff accompaniment and prompt care by competent healthcare providers at the receiving facility. Results: Seventeen articles were included in the study. Most studies were quantitative (n=11). Two studies reported that women were dissatisfied due to delays in referral processes that affected their health. Most of the articles (10) reported that women were not accompanied to higher levels of healthcare, delays in referral processes, transportation challenges and poor referral documentation. Some healthcare providers administered essential drugs such as misoprostol prior to referral. Conclusions: Efforts to improve maternal health in LLMICs should aim to enhance maternal healthcare providers’ ability to identify conditions that demand referral. Low cost transport is needed to mitigate transportation barriers of referral. To ensure quality maternal referral, mechanisms should be instituted for health managers at the district level to monitor and evaluate referral documentation, quality and efficiency of maternal referrals on regular basis.

Abstract P465: Standardizing Hypertension Management In A Primary Care Setting In India Through A Protocol Based Model

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka Satish ◽  
Aditya Khetan ◽  
Shyamsundar Raithatha ◽  
Richard A Josephson
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Hypertension Management ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Urine Albumin

Hypertension is a leading cause of death in India. There are numerous barriers to adequate management of hypertension in Indian healthcare settings, including therapeutic inertia and the lack of a systematic approach. Standardizing hypertension management through an evidence based model that sets thresholds for diagnosis, treatment goals, follow up intervals and choice of drugs can lead to improved management of hypertension in an individual hospital or health system. We describe the design of a model that focuses on efficacy, safety and ease of use by healthcare providers with different levels of training. The algorithm endorses a urine albumin first approach in deciding the course of antihypertensive therapy. Providers undergo training in the implementation of this model using a training guide and handout developed for this purpose. The algorithm itself can be utilized as a point of care reference by individual practitioners, hospitals, primary health centers (PHCs) and the Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs) under the Ayushman Bharat initiative. We plan to evaluate the effectiveness of our model at Shree Krishna Hospital, Gujarat, India through a quality improvement framework. The algorithm is designed to allow adaptability to individual institutional requirements in India (and similar low and middle income countries) while standardizing the basic elements of hypertension management.

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