Abstract
Available pharmaceutical information is often characterized by inadequacy, and inaccuracy, which compromise its quality and usefulness. This study was carried out to examine staff characteristics, organizational and technical aspects that affect the quality of pharmaceutical information. A cross-sectional, descriptive study targeting pharmacy staff in public primary care facilities was carried out in Nairobi County. Thirty one facilities were surveyed and a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 31 pharmacy staff. Adequacy and accuracy of records and reports was assessed using a checklist. District pharmaceutical facilitators were interviewed as key informants. Quantitative data was analyzed using Predictive Analytics Software version 22. Qualitative data was analyzed through thematic content analysis. Staff characteristics obtained were in-service training in 9(29%), good knowledge and skills in data entry in 25(81%) and low levels of motivation in 13(42%) staff. Pearson’s chi square tests revealed significant relationships between cadre of staff and knowledge and skills. Organizational aspects were low numbers of pharmaceutical technologists numbering 11(36%), supportive supervision feedback in only 4(15%) facilities, and lack of written roles and responsibilities in 21(68%) facilities. Significant relationships were found between having written roles and responsibilities and ability to enter data accurately. Technical aspects were high availability of computers and data management software in 30(97%) facilities, but use of data management software in only 6(20%) facilities. A significant relationship was found between use of data management software and accuracy of stock records. The study concluded that in-service training had weaknesses, management support was inadequate and use of information technology was low. Recommendations were made to improve in-service training, strengthen management support; and promote use of data management software. Key words: Information, pharmaceutical, essential medicines, staff characteristics.
Highlights
Sound and reliable information is the foundation of decision-making across all levels of the health care system
Essential medicines are defined as those medicines that satisfy the priority health care needs of the population and are intended to be available within the context of functioning health systems in adequate amounts, in the appropriate dosage forms, with assured quality and adequate information, and at a price that the individual and the community can afford (World Health Organization (WHO), 2002)
Two district pharmaceutical facilitators were interviewed as key informants
Summary
Sound and reliable information is the foundation of decision-making across all levels of the health care system. Ensuring availability of essential medicines is highly dependent on relevant, accurate and timely information. This information enables staff at all levels of the health system to make evidence based decisions on management of the whole spectrum of pharmaceutical services, which includes planning, estimating demand, allocating resources, and monitoring and evaluation of pharmaceutical operations. These decisions determine how well the pharmaceutical management system achieves its objectives of ensuring constant availability of essential medicines; thereby supporting the functioning of the whole health system. Available pharmaceutical information is often characterized by inaccuracy, inadequacy, incompleteness and lack of timeliness, which compromise its quality and usefulness (Luoma, 2010)
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