ABSTRACT
Background: Limited utility of quality health data undermines efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-limited settings. Few studies model the effective utility of quality pharmaceutical information system (PIS) data in sub-Saharan Africa, typified with weak health systems. Aim: To develop a model and guidelines for strengthening utility of quality PIS data in public healthcare in Namibia, a resource-limited setting. Methods: A qualitative model based on Dickoff et al. practice-oriented theory, Chinn and Jacobs' systematic approach to theory, and applied consensus techniques. Data from nationwide studies on quality and utility of PIS data in public healthcare conducted between 2018 and March 2020 informed the development of the model concepts. Pharmaceutical and public health systems experts validated the final model. Results: Overall, four preliminary national studies that recruited 58 PIS focal persons at 38 public health facilities and national level informed the development of four model concepts. The model describes concepts on access, management, dissemination, and utility of quality PIS data. Activities to implement the model in practice include grass-root integration of real-time automated pharmaceutical intelligence systems to collect, consolidate, monitor, and report PIS data. Strengthening coordination, human resources, and technical capacity through support supervisory systems at grass-root facilities are key activities. PIS focal persons at health facility and national level are agents to implement these activities among recipients, that is, healthcare professionals at points of care. Guidelines for implementation of the model at point of care are included. Experts described the model as clear, simple, comprehensive, and integration of pharmaceutical intelligence systems at point of care as novel and of importance to enhance utility of quality PIS data in resource-limited settings. Conclusion: While utility of quality PIS data is limited in Namibia, advantages of the model are encouraging, toward building resilient pharmaceutical intelligence systems at grass roots in resource-limited countries, where there are not only weak health systems, but high burden of misuse of medicines.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pharmacovigilance systems increase access to safe medicines and healthcare, but their integration in public healthcare remains a challenge in many countries. The main barriers to pharmacovigilance integration are attributed to high patient load and limited capacities. OBJECTIVE: To explore the challenges associated with the effective integration of pharmacovigilance systems in public healthcare in a developing country such as Namibia. METHODS: A nationwide qualitative assessment of integration of pharmacovigilance systems particularly spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting at public health facility level was conducted. Key informant interviews were conducted among pivotal healthcare professionals involved in pharmacovigilance. The main outcomes were themes on challenges and strategies for effective integration of PV services at the facility level. Qualitative data were collected over a one-month period (i.e., March 2019), and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Eight (8) key informants were recruited; the majority were pharmacists (n = 7) and male (n = 5). The main challenges affecting the effective integration of pharmacovigilance systems reporting at public health facilities were "weak pharmacovigilance policies and structures", "negative attitude of healthcare workers towards pharmacovigilance", and "limited capacity and support for implementation of pharmacovigilance activities". The main strategies for effective integration of PV systems at facilities included local capacity-building through continuing profession education and support, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, facility/region based pharmacovigilance champions, and facility-based policies for universal and inclusive reporting, (i.e. patients and health workers at all levels) as well as development of workable standard operational procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacovigilance systems at healthcare facilities in Namibia were observed to have sub-optimal policies, structures and support systems, and lack health care worker buy-in. There is a need for a policy framework to ensure effective and sustainable integration of pharmacovigilance activities at public healthcare facilities.
Subject(s)
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions , Pharmacovigilance , Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems , Health Facilities , Health Personnel , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In Namibia, one out of every 25 cases of tuberculosis (TB) is "lost to follow-up" (LTFU). This has impacted negatively on national efforts to end the disease by 2035. The aim of this study was to determine the trends and predictors of LTFU under the directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) programme in Namibia. METHODS: The study involved a retrospective longitudinal analysis of a nationwide cohort of TB cases registered under the DOTS programme in Namibia from 2006 to 2015. The trends and predictors of LTFU among cases in the National Electronic TB Register of the National TB and Leprosy Program were respectively determined by interrupted time series and multivariate logistic regression analyses using R-Studio software. RESULTS: Out of 104â203 TB cases, 3775 (3.6%) were LTFU. A quarter (26%) of cases with poor outcomes were due to LTFU. The annual decline in cases of LTFU was significant between the first (2005-2010) and second (2010-2015) medium-term plan period for TB programme implementation (p=0.002). The independent predictors of LTFU were male sex (p=0.004), 15-24 years age group (p=0.03), provider of treatment (p<0.001), intensive phase (p=0.047) and living in border/transit regions (p<0.001). HIV co-infection and TB regimen were not significant predictors of LTFU. CONCLUSIONS: There were declining trends in LTFU in Namibia. DOTS programmes should integrate socioeconomic interventions for young and middle-aged adult male TB cases to reduce LTFU.