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Health Policy and Management - Volume:8 Issue: 5, May 2019

International Journal of Health Policy and Management
Volume:8 Issue: 5, May 2019

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1398/02/11
  • تعداد عناوین: 10
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  • Viroj Tangcharoensathien *, Orana Chandrasiri, Watinee Kunpeuk, Kamolphat Markchang, Nattanicha Pangkariya Pages 256-260
    Addressing the determinants of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is challenged by aggressive market promotion by tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food industries in emerging countries with fast economic development; and interference by these industries in government policies aimed at containing consumption of unhealthy products. This editorial reviews market promotion and industry interference and classifies them into four groups of tactics: (a) interfering with the legislative process; (b) using front groups to act on their behalf; (c) questioning the evidence of tobacco harm and the effectiveness of harm-reduction interventions; and (d) appearing responsible in the eyes of the public, journalists and policy-makers. Despite active implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy food industries use similar tactics to aggressively interfere in policies, with the tobacco industry being the most aggressive. Policy interference by industries are effective in the context of poor governance, rampant corruption, conflict of interest among political and government actors, and regulatory capture in all levels of countries from low- to high-income. In addressing these interferences, government requires the practice of good governance, effective mechanisms to counteract conflict of interests among political and policy actors, and prevention of regulatory capture. The World Health Organization (WHO) Framework of Engagement with non-State Actors can be applied to the country context when engaging private entities in the prevention and control of NCDs.
    Keywords: Non-Communicable Diseases, Industry Interference, Best Buy NCD Interventions, Regulatory Capture, NCD Risk Factors
  • Hina Khalid *, Ashley M. Fox Pages 261-271
    Background
     The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has recently set the ambitious “90-90-90 target” of having 90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) know their status, receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and achieve viral suppression by 2020. This ambitious new goal is occurring in a context of global “scale-down” following nearly a decade of heightened investment in HIV prevention and treatment efforts. Arguably international goals spur action, however, setting unrealistic goals that do not take weak health systems and variations in the nature of the epidemic across countries into consideration may set them up for failure in unproductive ways that lead to a decline in confidence in global governance institutions. This study explores how policy actors tasked with implementing HIV programs navigate the competing demands placed upon them by development targets and national politics, particularly in the current context of waning international investments towards HIV.  
    Methods
    To examine these questions, we interviewed 29 key informants comprising health experts in donor organizations and government employees in HIV programs in Pakistan, a country where HIV programs must compete with other issues for attention. Themes were identified inductively through an iterative process and findings were triangulated with various data sources and existing literature.  
    Results
    We found both political and governance challenges to achieving the target, particularly in the context of the global HIV scale-down. Political challenges included, low and heterogeneous political commitment for HIV and a conservative legal environment that contributed towards a ban on opiate substitution therapy, creating low treatment coverage. Governance challenges includedstrained state and non-governmental organization (NGO) relations creating a hostile service delivery environment, weak bureaucratic and civil society capacity contributing to poor regulation of the health infrastructure, and resource mismanagement on both the part of the government and NGOs.  
    Conclusion
    Our findings suggest that in a context of waning international attention to HIV, policy actors on the ground face a number of practical hurdles to achieving the ambitious targets set out by international agencies. Greater attention to the political and governance challenges of implementing HIV programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) could help technical assistance agencies to develop more realistic implementation plans.
    Keywords: Injecting Drug Users, HIV, AIDS, Governance, Political Commitment, South Asia
  • Amandine Fillol *, Julia LohmannAnne, Marie Turcotte, TremblayPaul, André Somé, Valéry Ridde Pages 272-279
    Background
     Performance-based financing (PBF) is currently tested in many low- and middle-income countries as a health system strengthening strategy. One of the main mechanisms through which PBF is assumed to effect change is by motivating health workers to improve their service delivery performance. This article aims at a better understanding of such motivational effects of PBF. In particular, the study focused on organizational context factors and health workers’ perceptions thereof as moderators of the motivational effects of PBF, which to date has been little explored.  
    Methods
    We conducted a multiple case study in 2 district hospitals and 16 primary health facilities across three districts. Health facilities were purposely sampled according to pre-PBF performance levels. Within sampled facilities, 82 clinical skilled healthcare workers were in-depth interviewed one year after the start of the PBF intervention. Data were analyzed using a blended deductive and inductive process, using self-determination theory (SDT) as an analytical framework.  
    Results
    Results show that the extent to which PBF contributed to positive, sustainable forms of motivation depended on the “ground upon which PBF fell,” beyond health workers’ individual personalities and disposition. In particular, health workers described three aspects of the organizational context in which PBF was implemented: the extent to which existing hierarchies fostered as opposed to hindered participation and transparency; managers’ handling of the increased performance feedback inherent in PBF; and facility’s pre-PBF levels in regards to infrastructure, equipment, and human resources.  
    Conclusion
    Our results underline the importance of leadership styles and pre-implementation performance levels in shaping health workers’ motivational reactions to PBF. Ancillary interventions aimed at fostering participatory as opposed to directional leadership or start-up support to low-performing health facilities will likely boost PBF effects in regards to the development of valuable motivational capacities.
    Keywords: Motivation, Organizational Context, Performance-Based Financing (PBF), Qualitative Research, Burkina Faso
  • Mukesh Hamal *, Kalina Heiter, Lian Schoenmakers, Myonne Smid, Tjard De Cock Buning, Vincent De Brouwere, Azucena Bardaj, Chiranjibi Nepal, Marjolein Dieleman Pages 280-291
    Background
     Social accountability or citizen-led accountability has been promoted in many low- and middle-income countries to improve the quality, access to and use of maternal health services. Experiences with social accountability in maternal health services in Nepal have not yet been documented. This study identifies existing social accountability structures and activities in maternal health services in two districts of Far-Western Nepal and explores their functions, implementation and gaps/challenges.  
    Methods
    An exploratory study was conducted that included in-depth interviews with purposively selected policy advisors (8), healthcare officials (11), healthcare providers (12) and non-governmental staff (3); and focus group discussions (FGDs) with 54 women. Data analysis was conducted using thematic content analysis based on George’s information, dialogue and negotiation framework.  
    Results
    Social accountability in maternal health existed in terms of structures such as mothers’ groups (MGs), female community health volunteers (FCHVs) and Health Facility Operation and Management Committees (HFOMCs); and activities such as social audits and community health score board (CHSB). MGs and FCHVs were perceived as trusted intermediaries, but their functioning was limited to information. HFOMCs were not fully functional. Social audits and CHSBs were implemented in limited sites and with poor participation by women. Health-sector responses were mainly found at the local level. Factors contributing to these challenges were the absence of a mandate and limited capacity, including resources.  
    Conclusion
    Formal structures and activities existed for social accountability in maternal health services in the Far-Western Development Region of Nepal, but there were limitations pertaining to their implementation. The main recommendations are: for clear policy mandates on the social accountability roles of MGs and FCHVs; wider implementation of social audits and CHSBs, with emphasis on the participation of women from disadvantaged groups; improved capacity of HFOMCs; and improved engagement of the health sector at all levels to listen and respond to women’s concerns.
    Keywords: Social Accountability, Governance, Maternal Health, Health Services, Nepal
  • Christopher C. Wahlfeld, Amina Muicha, Paulo Harrison, Aaron M. Kipp, Gael Claquin, Wilson P. Silva, Ann F. Green, C. William Wester, Troy D. Moon * Pages 292-299
    Background
     The first pillar of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goal seeks to accurately identify persons living with HIV (PLHIV), a process that is predicated on facilities having the necessary HIV tests available to perform the task. In many rural settings, the identification of PLHIV is accomplished through a two-step process involving the sequential use of 2 separate rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Inadequate inventory of either test has ramifications for the success of HIV-related programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inventory levels of HIV RDT kits at specific healthcare facilities in Zambézia province, Mozambique.  
    Methods
    Using facility-level pharmacy stock surveillance data from October 2015 through September 2016, we assessed the inventory levels of HIV RDTs at 75 health facilities in 8 districts within Zambézia province, Mozambique. Using programmatically established categories (good, sufficient, threatened, or stockout), defined in conjunction with the provincial health authorities, descriptive statistics were performed to determine inventory control of HIV RDTs at the district and health facility levels. Monthly proportions of adequate (good + sufficient) inventory were calculated for each district to identify inventory trends over the evaluation period. To assess whether the proportion of inadequate stocks differed between RDT, a mixed-effects logistic regression was conducted, with inadequate inventory status as the outcome of interest.  
    Results
    When viewed as a whole, the inventory of each test kit was reported as being at adequate levels more than 89% of the time across the 75 facilities. However, disaggregated analysis revealed significant variability in the inventory levels of HIV RDTs at the district level. Specifically, the districts of Inhassunge, Namacurra, and Pebane reported inadequate inventory levels (threatened + stockout), of one or both test kits, for more than 10% of the study period. In addition, a disparity between inventory levels of each test kit was identified, with the odds of reporting inadequate inventory levels of the confirmatory test (Uni-Gold™) being approximately 1.8-fold greater than the initial test (Determine™) (odds ratio: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.40-2.38).  
    Conclusion
    As Test and Treat programs evolve, a significant emphasis should be placed on the “test” component of the strategy, beginning with assurances that health facilities have the adequate inventory of RDT necessary to meet the needs of their community. As national policy-makers rely predominantly on data from the upstream arm of the supply chain, it is unlikely the disparity between inventory levels of HIV RDTs identified at individual districts and specific health facilities would have been recognized. Moving forward, our findings point to a need for (1) renewed efforts reinforcing appropriate downstream forecasting of essential medicines and diagnostic tests in general and for Uni-Gold™ test kits specifically, and (2) simple metrics that may be routinely collected at all health facilities and which may then easily and quickly flow upstream so that policy-makers may optimally allocate resources.
    Keywords: HIV, Counseling, Testing, Supply Chain System, Health System Strengthening, Mozambique
  • Zhila Najafpour *, Zahra Godarzi, Mohammad Arab, Mehdi Yaseri Pages 300-306
    Background
     Patient falls are considered a challenge to the patient’s safety in hospitals, which, in addition to increasing the length of stay and costs, may also result in severe injuries or even the death of the patient. This study aims to investigate the associations between risk factors among fallers in comparison with the control group.  
    Methods
    A prospective nested case control study was performed on 185 patients who fell and 1141 controls were matched with the patients at risk of fall in the same ward and during the same time. This study was conducted in a university educational hospital in Tehran with 800 beds during a 9-month period. The data included demographics, comorbidities, admission details, types of medication, clinical conditions, and activities before or during the fall. The data was collected from clinical records, hospital information system, error reporting system and observations, and the interviews with the fallers, their families and care givers (physicians, nurses, etc). Data analysis was conducted through time-based matching using a multi-level analysis.  
    Results
    In a multilevel model including patient-related, medication, and care-related variables, the factors that were significantly associated with an increased risk of patient falls included: longer length of stay (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01; CI = 0.32 to 0.73), using chemotherapy drugs, sedatives, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, visual acuity (OR = 6.93; CI = 4.22 to 11.38), balance condition (OR = 6.41; CI = 4.51 to 9.11), manual transfer aid (OR = 8.47; CI = 5.65 to 12.69), urinary incontinence (OR = 8.47, CI = 5.65 to 12.69), and cancer (OR = 2.86, CI = 1.84-4.44). These factors were found to be associating with more odds for a falling accident among patients. Several characteristics such as fall history (OR = 0.48; CI = 1.003 to 1.02), poly-pharmacy (OR = 1.37, CI = 00.85 to 2.2), stroke (OR = 0.94, CI = 0.44 to 2.02), and nurse to patient ratio (incidence rate ratio = 1.01, CI = 0.01 to 0.03) were not significantly associated with falling in hospitals.  
    Conclusion
    It seems that a combination of both patient-related factors and history of medication should be considered. Moreover, modifiable clinical characteristics of patients such as vision improvement, provision of manual transfer aid, diabetes control, regular toilet program, and drug modification should be considered during the formulation of interventions.
    Keywords: Accidental Fall, Hospital, Risk Factors, Nested Case Control
  • Andrew Ballard * Pages 307-314
    Background
     A growing body of public management literature sheds light on potential shortcomings to quality improvement (QI) and performance management efforts. These challenges stem from heuristics individuals use when interpreting data. Evidence from studies of citizens suggests that individuals’ evaluation of data is influenced by the linguistic framing or context of that information and may bias the way they use such information for decision-making. This study extends prospect theory into the field of public health QI by utilizing an experimental design to test for equivalency framing effects on how public health professionals interpret common QI indicators.  
    Methods
    An experimental design utilizing randomly assigned survey vignettes is used to test for the influence of framing effects in the interpretation of QI data. The web-based survey assigned a national sample of 286 city and county health officers to a “positive frame” group or a “negative frame” group and measured perceptions of organizational performance. The majority of respondents self-report as organizational leadership.  
    Results
    Public health managers are indeed susceptible to these framing effects and to a similar degree as citizens. Specifically, they tend to interpret QI information presented in a “positive frame” as indicating a higher level of performance as the same underlying data presenting in a “negative frame.” These results are statistically significant and pass robustness checks when regressed against control variables and alternative sources of information.  
    Conclusion
    This study helps identify potential areas of reform within the reporting aspects of QI systems. Specifically, there is a need to fully contextualize data when presenting even to subject matter experts to reduce the existence of bias when making decisions and introduce training in data presentation and basic numeracy prior to fully engaging in QI initiatives.
    Keywords: Quality Improvement, Performance Management, United States, Framing, Data Interpretation
  • Marie, Pierre Gagnon *, Randa Attieh, Sandra Dunn, Gonzalo Grandes, Paola Bully, Carole A. Estabrooks, France Légaré, Geneviève Roch, Mathieu Ouimet Pages 315-316
  • Gill Harvey *, Joanne Dollard, Amy Marshall, Manasi Murthy Mittinty Pages 317-318
  • Leila Doshmangir *, Amirhossein Takian Pages 319-320