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Kinyenje E, Ngowi RR, Msigwa YS, Hokororo JC, Yahya TA, German CJ, Mawazo A, Mohamed MA, Nassoro OA, Degeh MM, Bahegwa RP, Marandu LE, Mwaisengela SM, Mwanginde LW, Makala R, Eliakimu ES. Status of countrywide laboratory services quality and capacity in primary healthcare facilities in Tanzania: Findings from Star Rating Assessment. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001489. [PMID: 37851603 PMCID: PMC10584114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Accurate disease diagnosis relies on a well-organized and reliable laboratory system. This study assesses the quality of laboratory services in Tanzania based on the nationwide Star Rating Assessment (SRA) of Primary Healthcare (PHC) facilities conducted in 2017/18. This cross-sectional study utilized secondary data from all the country's PHC facilities stored in the SRA database. Laboratory service quality was assessed by aggregating scores as percentages of the maximum achievable score across various indicators: dedicated laboratory department/room, adequate equipment, staffing levels, adherence to testing protocols, establishment of turnaround times, internal and external quality controls, and safety and supplies management. Scores equal to or exceeding 80% were deemed compliant. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the influence of facility characteristics (level, ownership, location, staffing) on quality scores, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The study included 6,663 PHC facilities (85.9% dispensaries, 11% health centers, 3.2% hospital-level-1), with the majority being public (82.3% vs. 17.7%) and located in rural areas (77.1% vs. 22.9%). On average, facilities scored 30.8% (SD = 35.7), and only 26.6% met staffing requirements. Compliance with quality standards was higher in private (63% vs. 19%, p<0.001) and urban facilities (62% vs. 16%, p<0.001). More than half of the facilities did not meet either of the eight quality indicators. Quality was positively linked to staffing compliance (Beta = 5.770) but negatively impacted by dispensaries (Beta = -6.342), rural locations (Beta = -0.945), and public ownership (Beta = -1.459). A score of 30% falls significantly short of the national target of 80%. Improving laboratory staffing levels at PHC facilities could improve the quality of laboratory services, especially in public facilities that are based in rural areas. There is a need to further strengthen laboratory services in PHC facilities to ensure the quality of laboratory services and clients' satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Kinyenje
- Health Quality Assurance Unit, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Ruth R. Ngowi
- Health Quality Assurance Unit, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | | | - Akili Mawazo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mohamed A. Mohamed
- Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (TFELTP), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- East Central and Southern Africa Health Community, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Omary A. Nassoro
- Health Quality Assurance Unit, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Mbwana M. Degeh
- Health Quality Assurance Unit, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | - Laura E. Marandu
- Health Quality Assurance Unit, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Robert Makala
- Regional Administrative Secretary’s Office—Regional Health Management Team, Manyara, Tanzania
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Jung L, Kiwanuka J, Mbabazi L, Nakate V, Musaazi J, Nabajja H, Kajumbula H, Lübbert C, Mwaka E, Nsibirwa S, von Braun A. A case for routine microbial diagnostics: Results from antimicrobial susceptibility testing in post-traumatic wound infections at a Ugandan tertiary care hospital. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001880. [PMID: 37582103 PMCID: PMC10427013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an increasing challenge for clinicians in Uganda, where microbiological diagnostics are not routinely available or accessible. The aim of this study was to determine pathogen prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns in patients with wound infections following trauma at a national referral hospital in Kampala, Uganda. In addition, the suitability of currently used empirical treatment options in this setting was evaluated. This prospective, observational study analysed antimicrobial prescriptions, culture results and antimicrobial sensitivity testing (AST) of wound swabs and blood samples from patients with clinical signs of wound infections on the trauma ward. A total of 124 patients (n = 99, 79.8% male) with a median age of 30 years (IQR 23-39) were enrolled between October 2021 and January 2022. Wound infections were classified as nosocomial in 69% of the cases. Pathogens were isolated from 122 wound swabs, yielding 238 bacterial isolates. The most prevalent pathogens were gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli (n = 48, 20.2%) and Acinetobacter spp. (n = 43, 18.1%). Empiric treatment consisted of ceftriaxone and gentamicin which was administered to 67.2% (n = 78) and 62.1% (n = 72) of patients, respectively. High rates of antimicrobial resistance could be demonstrated across gram-negative and gram-positive species towards the most common empiric antibiotics. Following the AST results, over 95% (n = 111) of patients required a change of treatment. Our findings demonstrate that current empiric treatment for wound infections is missing its target in hospitalized patients in Kampala. To address the growing problem of AMR in Uganda, there is a pressing need to enhance diagnostic capacity and implement structured antimicrobial stewardship programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jung
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - James Kiwanuka
- Department of Orthopedics/Trauma, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Leah Mbabazi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Vivian Nakate
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Musaazi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hawah Nabajja
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry Kajumbula
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christoph Lübbert
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Erisa Mwaka
- Department of Orthopedics/Trauma, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sara Nsibirwa
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amrei von Braun
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
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Stankovic S, Santric Milicevic M. Use of the WISN method to assess the health workforce requirements for the high-volume clinical biochemical laboratories. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2022; 19:143. [PMID: 35090473 PMCID: PMC8795329 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-021-00686-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical laboratory services, as an essential part of health care, require appropriate staff capacity to assure satisfaction and improve outcomes for both patients and clinical staff. This study aimed to apply the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) method for estimating required laboratory staff requirements for the high-volume clinical biochemical laboratories. METHODS In 2019, we applied the WISN method in all 13 laboratories within the Center for Medical Biochemistry of the University Clinical Centre of Serbia (CMB UCCS). A review of annual routinely collected statistics, laboratory processes observations, and structured interviews with lab staff helped identify their health service and additional activities and duration of these activities. The study outcomes were WISN-based staff requirements, WISN ratio and difference, and a recommendation on the new staffing standards for two priority laboratory workers (medical biochemists and medical laboratory technicians). RESULTS Medical biochemists' and laboratory technicians' annual available working time in 2019 was 1508 and 1347 working hours, respectively, for the workload of 1,848,889 samples. In general, the staff has four health service, eight support, and 15 additional individual activities. Health service activities per sample can take from 1.2 to 12.6 min. Medical biochemists and medical laboratory technicians spend almost 70% and more than 80% of their available working time, undertaking health service activities. The WISN method revealed laboratory workforce shortages in the CMB (i.e. current 40 medical biochemists and 180 medical laboratory technicians as opposed to required 48 medical biochemists and 206 medical laboratory technicians). Workforce maldistribution regarding the laboratory workload contributes to a moderate-high workload pressure of medical biochemists in five and medical laboratory technicians in nine organizational units. CONCLUSIONS The WISN method showed mainly a laboratory workforce shortages and workload pressure in the CMB UCCS. WISN is a simple, easy-to-use method that can help decision-makers and policymakers prioritize the recruitment and equitable allocation of laboratory workers, optimize their utilization, and develop normative guidelines in the field of clinical laboratory diagnostics. WISN estimates require periodic reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Stankovic
- Center for Medical Biochemistry, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Visegradska 26, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milena Santric Milicevic
- Institute of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 15, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Mpimbaza A, Babikako H, Rutazanna D, Karamagi C, Ndeezi G, Katahoire A, Opigo J, Snow RW, Kalyango JN. Adherence to malaria management guidelines by health care workers in the Busoga sub-region, eastern Uganda. Malar J 2022; 21:25. [PMID: 35078479 PMCID: PMC8788114 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate malaria management is a key malaria control strategy. The objective of this study was to determine health care worker adherence levels to malaria case management guidelines in the Busoga sub-region, Uganda. METHODS Health facility assessments, health care worker (HCW), and patient exit interview (PEI) surveys were conducted at government and private health facilities in the sub-region. All health centres (HC) IVs, IIIs, and a sample of HC IIs, representative of the tiered structure of outpatient service delivery at the district level were targeted. HCWs at these facilities were eligible for participation in the study. For PEIs, 210 patients of all ages presenting with a history of fever for outpatient care at selected facilities in each district were targeted. Patient outcome measures included testing rates, adherence to treatment, dispensing and counselling services as per national guidelines. The primary outcome was appropriate malaria case management, defined as the proportion of patients tested and only prescribed artemether-lumefantrine (AL) if positive. HCW readiness (e.g., training, supervision) and health facility capacity (e.g. availability of diagnostics and anti-malarials) to provide malaria case management were also assessed. Data were weighted to cater for the disproportionate representation of HC IIs in the study sample. RESULTS A total of 3936 patients and 1718 HCW from 392 facilities were considered in the analysis. The median age of patients was 14 years; majority (63.4%) females. Most (70.1%) facilities were HCIIs and 72.7% were owned by the government. Malaria testing services were available at > 85% of facilities. AL was in stock at 300 (76.5%) facilities. Of those with a positive result, nearly all were prescribed an anti-malarial, with AL (95.1%) accounting for most prescriptions. Among those prescribed AL, 81.0% were given AL at the facility, lowest at HC IV (60.0%) and government owned (80.1%) facilities, corresponding to AL stock levels. Overall, 86.9% (95%CI 79.7, 90.7) of all enrolled patients received appropriate malaria case management. However, only 50.7% (21.2, 79.7) of patients seen at PFPs received appropriate malaria management. CONCLUSION Adherence levels to malaria case management guidelines were good, but with gaps noted mainly in the private sector. The supply chain for AL needs to be strengthened. Interventions to improve practise at PFP facilities should be intensified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Mpimbaza
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Harriet Babikako
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Damian Rutazanna
- National Malaria Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Karamagi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grace Ndeezi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anne Katahoire
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Opigo
- National Malaria Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert W Snow
- Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joan N Kalyango
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Pharmacy, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Evaluation of the Clinical Use of Ceftriaxone among In-Patients in Selected Health Facilities in Uganda. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10070779. [PMID: 34202391 PMCID: PMC8300672 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10070779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ceftriaxone has a high propensity for misuse because of its high rate of utilization. In this study, we aimed at assessing the appropriateness of the clinical utilization of ceftriaxone in nine health facilities in Uganda. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) Drug Use Evaluation indicators, we reviewed a systematic sample of 885 patients’ treatment records selected over a three (3)-month period. Our results showed that prescriptions were written mostly by medical officers at 53.3% (470/882). Ceftriaxone was prescribed mainly for surgical prophylaxis at 25.3% (154/609), respiratory tract infections at 17% (104/609), and sepsis at 11% (67/609), as well as for non-recommended indications such as malaria at 7% (43/609) and anemia at 8% (49/609). Ceftriaxone was mostly prescribed once daily (92.3%; 817/885), as a 2 g dose (50.1%; 443/885), and for 5 days (41%; 363/885). The average score of inappropriate use of ceftriaxone in the eight indicators was 32.1%. Only 58.3% (516/885) of the ceftriaxone doses prescribed were administered to completion. Complete blood count and culture and sensitivity testing rates were 38.8% (343/885) and 1.13% (10/885), respectively. Over 85.4% (756/885) of the patients improved and were discharged. Factors associated with appropriate ceftriaxone use were gender, pregnancy status, days of hospitalization, health facility level of care, health facility type, and type of prescriber.
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