In Ghana, where achieving universal access to quality healthcare remains elusive, the SafeCare Quality Improvement (QI) programme by the PharmAccess Foundation offers a beacon of hope. Launched in 2009, this initiative leverages local resources to enhance healthcare standards across more than 600 private and public facilities. As it gains national traction, the program’s success is attributed to the seamless integration of existing resources, fostering market access to improved healthcare services.
The study delves into the perspectives of frontline healthcare workers and policymakers on the SafeCare programme’s impact in Ghana. Conducted in 53 healthcare facilities spanning seven regions, the research employed quota and purposive sampling techniques to ensure comprehensive coverage. Through 45 focus group discussions and 47 in-depth interviews, insights were gathered from key stakeholders, highlighting how local resources facilitated the programme’s implementation.
Methodological Insights
The research methodology encompassed audio-recorded interviews, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis via Nvivo software. This robust approach allowed for an in-depth understanding of the programme’s effects on healthcare delivery. Participants expressed high satisfaction with the programme’s relevance and its positive impact on healthcare quality standards.
Significant Findings
Findings revealed that the SafeCare programme significantly improved healthcare quality in participating facilities, enhancing patient satisfaction and service utilization. The initiative also positively influenced revenue generation, demonstrating how market access can be bolstered through quality improvements. However, challenges such as low staff motivation, high workload, and limited resources were noted as barriers to full compliance with SafeCare standards.
The study also recommended harmonizing existing quality improvement assessment tools to avoid duplications, thereby promoting efficiency and sustainability without compromising standards. Agreed data sharing protocols and interoperability with the national database were proposed to ensure long-term success.
Key Inferences
– The SafeCare programme has the potential to transform healthcare systems in LMICs by leveraging local resources.
– Private-public partnerships are crucial for scaling quality improvements and ensuring market access.
– Addressing resource constraints and workload pressures is essential for sustaining compliance with quality standards.
The SafeCare QI programme’s contributions to quality improvement and adherence to patient safety standards in Ghana underscore the importance of government commitment for sustainability. As the programme aligns with national quality initiatives, addressing overlaps in assessment tools becomes imperative to maintain efficiency and effectiveness. The findings underscore the potential of LMICs to achieve high healthcare standards through strategic utilization of local resources, peer-learning, and partnerships.
Original Article: BMC Health Serv Res. 2024 Nov 28;24(1):1499. doi: 10.1186/s12913-024-11961-6.
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