Impact analysis of a down-referral chronic medication distribution system for stable chronic patients to primary health care facilities in an Eastern Cape District

• Main Author: Ndwandwe, Miriam
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 2014
• Subjects: Health services accessibility > South Africa > Eastern Cape; Pharmacology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020644

The purpose of the study was to assess the level of patient satisfaction with service provided in the Buffalo City sub-district following the implementation of the down-referral chronic medication distribution system between the tertiary(ELHC) and primary (clinics) levels of health care. The intervention was aimed at improving accessibility and availability of medication to the chronic patients. Research Design: A non-experimental descriptive quantitative research methodology was used. The sampling method for the study was the non-probability purposive sampling. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire that was given to respondents as they arrived at the facilities, and who, after completing the questionnaire, gave it back to the researcher. Findings: The results of the study revealed that the patients were generally satisfied about the down-referral chronic medication distribution system. However the patients were not satisfied about the services that they receive from the primary health care facilities when they go to collect their down-referred medication. Lack of communication to the patients regarding their medication by the hospital staff (pharmacists in particular) was a concern for patients. Conclusion: The down-referral chronic medication distribution system can benefit both the patients and the hospitals. Patient will receive their medication closer to their homes and save on the cost of transport. The hospital will have less patient congestion in the outpatient dispensaries and queues and waiting times will be reduced. Some strategies must be sought to improve the services at the primary health care facilities. The hospital should explore various communication methods to put into place, that will save pharmacists time and satisfy the needs of the patients. This would require the health services management from both the hospitals and the primary health care facilities to work together to ensure continued support for the patients.