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Item Awareness of, responsiveness to and practice of patients’ rights at Uganda’s national referral hospital(Sabinet, 2013) Kagoya, Harriet Rachel; Kibuule, Dan; Mitonga-Kabwebwe, Honoré; Ekirapa-Kiracho, Elizabeth; Ssempebwa, John C.Background: The realisation of patients’ rights in resource-constrained and patient-burdened public health care settings in Uganda remains an obstacle towards quality health care delivery, health careseeking behaviour and health outcomes. Although the Uganda Patients’ Charter of 2009 empowers patients to demand quality care, inequitable access and abuse remain common. Aim: The study aimed to assess level of awareness of, responsiveness to and practice of patients’ rights amongst patients and health workers (HWs) at Uganda’s national referral hospital, Mulago Hospital in Kampala. Methods: A three-phase cross-sectional questionnaire-based descriptive survey was conducted amongst 211 patients, 98 HWs and 16 key informants using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The study was conducted in May–June 2012, 2.5 years after the launch of the Uganda Patients’ Charter. Results: At least 36.5% of patients faced a challenge regarding their rights whilst seeking health care. Most of the patients (79%) who met a challenge never attempted to demand their rights. Most patients (81.5%) and HWs (69.4%) had never heard of the Uganda Patients’ Charter. Awareness of patients’ rights was significantly higher amongst HWs (70%) than patients (40%) (p < 0.01). Patients’ awareness was associated with education level (c2 = 42.4, p < 0.001), employment status (c2 = 33.6, p < 0.001) and hospital visits (c2 = 3.9, p = 0.048). For HWs it was associated with education level (c2 = 155.6, p < 0.001) and length of service (c2 = 154.5, p <0.001). Patients feel powerless to negotiate for their rights and fear being discriminated against based on their ability to bribe HWs with money to access care, and political, socio-economic and tribal status. Conclusion and recommendations: Awareness of, responsiveness to and practice of patients’ rights remains limited at Mulago Hospital. There is a need for urgent implementation of an integrated multilevel, multichannel, patient-centred approach that incorporates social services and addresses intrinsic patient, HW and health system factors to strengthen patients’ rights issues at the hospital.Item Current and former students’ views on two different methods of classroom-based teaching in pharmaceutical care:(FIP, 2016) Kalemeera, Francis; Naikaku, Ester; Mubita, Mwangana; Kibuule, DanBackground: Namibia is divided into 34 districts, each with a public hospital supplemented by a number of primary health care facilities. These hospitals shoulder the responsibility of ordering and distributing pharmaceuticals for the district as a whole. As the number of pharmacists in the public sector is quite low, staff often get engrossed in supply chain issues on the expense of pharmaceutical care. Namibia, cognisant of this challenge, established the School of Pharmacy, with one of the goals being to equip the students with knowledge and skills in the area of pharmaceutical care. So far two groups have gone through pharmaceutical care training: the 2014 and 2015 BPharm IVs. The 2014 group received classroom-based training through conventional didactic sessions, while the 2015 group was trained via case-discussions. The two groups were asked to comment on which of the two training methods was better for pharmaceutical care training. Methods: We summarised the methods of classroom-based training as implemented in 2014 and 2015. We used a Focus Group Discussion with the 2015 group and telephonic discussion with individuals of the 2014 group. Individuals from both groups were asked if they would pursue a career in hospital-based clinical pharmacy. We used the Student’s T test to compare the proportions of students who reported wanting to pursue a career in clinical pharmacy, with the confidence level set at 95%, and the significance observed at a p-value ≤ 0.05. Results: Summaries of the two methods were generated and used to explain the two methods to the respondents. All the respondents (n=9, 2015 group; n=10, 2014 group) said that the case discussion method was better than the conventional didactic sessions. The majority of the respondents (n=8, 89%) from the 2015 group said they would pursue a career in clinical pharmacy. Conclusion: The case-discussions seem to be a better method for classroom-based training, when compared with the conventional didactic sessions. Even though the proportion of students considering building a career in clinical pharmacy was greater in the Class of 2015 than that in Class of 2014, we cannot conclude that the new method of training was the reason that underscored the difference. A more in-depth assessment is required to provide clarity on the relationship between the module delivery method and pursuing a career in clinical pharmacy. Keywords: Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Care, Case-Discussions, Didactic SessionsItem Compliance to guidelines for the prescribing of antibiotics in acute infections at Namibia’s national referral hospital:(Taylor & Francis, 2017) Nakwatumbah, S.; Kibuule, D.; Godman, B.; Haakuria, V.; Kalemeera, F.; Baker, A.; Mwangana, M.Background: Sub-optimal antibiotic prescribing remains a public health concern in Namibia. The objective is to determine the level and predictors of compliance to guidelines in the prescribing of antibiotics in acute infections at a national referral hospital in Namibia to improve future prescribing. Methods: Descriptive observational cross-sectional study. The clinical records of patients receiving care were reviewed. Prescribing practices were assessed using a self- administered questionnaire with reference to Namibia Standard Treatment Guidelines (NSTG). Results: The majority of prescriptions (62%) complied with the NSTGs; however, lower than national targets (95%). Most prescriptions were empiric and prescribers typically made reference to the NSTG (58%). Diagnosed infections were principally respiratory infections (58%) and penicillins were the most used antibiotics. Good concurrence between signs and symptoms with the diagnosis; diagnosis of upper respiratory tract, oral-dental and urogenital infections with prescribing of penicillins. Combination antibiotics and amphenicols were independent predictors of compliance to the NSTGs. The main behaviours associated with antibiotic prescribing were patient influences, clinical state, and access to guidelines. Conclusions: Compliance to NSTGs is suboptimal. Prescribing of combination antibiotics, penicillins and diagnosis of oral dental, genitourinary and ear, nose and throat infections were important predictors for NSTG compliance. There is a need to implement antibiotic indicators and stewardship programmes, and ensure access to NSTGs, to improve future antibiotic prescribing in Namibia.Item Initiatives to increase the prescribing of low cost generics :(KEIJournals, 2017) Godman, Brian; Baker, Amanj; Leporowski, Axel; Morton, Alec; Baumgärte, Christoph; Bochenek, Tomasz; Fadare, Joseph; Finlayson, Alexander; Hussain, Shazhad; Khan, Babar; Kalaba, Marija; Kibuule, Dan; Kwon, Hye-Young; Melien, Oyvind; Nascimento, Renata CRM; Salem, Ahmed; Schiffers, Krijn; Truter, Ilse; Voncina, Luka; Hassali, Mohamed AzmiGetting the most out of the pharmaceutical budget is critical across all countries as the financial pressures on healthcare systems intensify. In this paper, we review global practice on encouraging the use of low costs generics versus branded pharmaceuticals, including patented products in the same class where care is not compromised, across countries to guide future practice. Our review ranges widely across European countries as well as other high income countries, including Abu Dhabi, Japan and the USA, and other low and middle income countries. There is a particular focus on Scotland, building on previous publications. We conclude based on multiple publications, including several case studies, that achieving efficiency in pharmaceutical spending is possible in virtually all environments, although there are examples of technologies where generic or therapeutic substitution should not be encouraged. However, there is no magic bullet to achieving full and appropriate use of generics. Countries have to be prepared to use a number of different education, economic, engineering and enforcement methods including prescribing restrictions to achieve success. Similarly, different approaches to achieve low prices for good quality generics given the considerable price differences that currently exist. The combination of low prices and increased use of generics will help achieve or attain universal healthcare, benefiting all key stakeholder groups. We conclude with a call for greater cross-country learning in pursuit of what should be a common goal for all health systems. Keywords: Co-payments, compulsory substitution, generics, prescribing restrictions, prices, reforms, ScotlandItem Cycles take medicines closer to HIV patients(New Vision, 2017-01-02) Nantambi, AgnesJosephine Akello, who lives at Senero Landing site in Kalangala district, had given up on taking Antiretroviral drugs because the health centre is far from where she lives. In partnership with local health centres, Health Access Connect, a non-government organisation which links health personnel to the communities, introduced a Medicycles programme to give comprehensive health services to remote villages. She now takes her drugs on schedule.Item Obama in last attempt to save healthcare law.(New Vision, 2017-01-05) AFPUs president Barack Obama was scheduled to make a short, but politically charged trip from the White House to Capitol Hill yesterday, calling allied lawmakers to arms in defence of his signature healthcare reforms. Obama's eight-years drive to extend medical coverage to tens of millions of Americans will come under sustained assault when president- elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20 with Republican majorities in both house of congress.Item Male, female patients share ward(New Vision, 2017-01-06) Tumwesige, ArnestDenis Komakech, a resident of Go-down sub-ward in Layibi division, who was admitted at Layibi Techo Health Centre III, had to share a ward with female patients. Komakech who was suffering from malaria was in disbelief when he woke up the following morning only to see himself surrounded by females. A health worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, decried the lack of proper accommodation for patients.Item When you develop a heat rash(Daily Monitor, 2017-01-30) Nakibuuka, BeatriceChanges in the weather have an impact on our bodies, for instance the current dry season will bring about ailments such as heat rash.Item Nodding disease patients benefit from OPM aid(New Vision, 2017-02-13) Tumwesige, ArnestThe Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has donated relief food and other items to support Vulnerable people of Omoro district. The items include 200 bags of maize flour, 100 bags of beans, 500 bags of rice and 360 blankets.Item Death from poisoning(Daily Monitor, 2017-03-01) Onzivua, SylvesterAt 9:21 PM on the night of November 22, 2006, Alexander Litvinenko died at the University college hospital in central London when his heart failed. He was a former officer of the Russian security services who had been given political asylum in the United Kingdom after fleeing his native country, Russia.Item Managing stroke among the elderly(New Vision, 2017-04-07) Kyotalengerire, Agnes; Magezi, N Lilian" Even during fasting, the body needs an adequate supply of the different nutrients for one to maintain good health. This can only be achieved by ensuring a balanced diet", Kikomeko, an assistant lecturer in the department of human nutrition and dietetics at Kyambogo University.Item Release of sub grants for HIV/AIDs activities in Rwenzori Region(New Vision, 2017-06-17) Baylor College of Medicine Children's foundation UgandaRelease of sub grants for HIV/AIDs activities in Rwenzori RegionItem Mental health issues in sickle cell: The elephant in the room(New Vision, 2017-06-19) Ssebandeke, AshirafToday June, 19, Uganda joins the world to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day. The theme is: " Doing things differently in 2017". As per the day's theme, it, therefore call for us all to handle the mental health of people with sickle cell disease differently.Item Sickle cells: How can women cope?(New Vision, 2017-06-19) Ssebandeke, AshirafOverall, the life expectancy of people living with sickle cell disease has improved over the years. With improved health care, people can now live long into adulthood.Item Illegal kidney trade booming in Pakistan.(New vision, 2017-06-28) AFPWhen Pakistani authorities burst into a makeshift hospital in Lahore this year, doctors were caught midway through two illegal kidney transplants, the local donors and Omani clients still unconscious on the tables. The doctors were allowed to finish the operation then arrested, along with their assistants and the Omanis, in a raid Pakistani authorities say is a turning point in their battle against organ trafficking.Item Illegal kidney trade booming in Pakistan(New Vision, 2017-06-28) AFPWhen Pakistani authorities burst into a makeshift hospital in Lahore this year, doctors were caught mid-way through two illegal kidney transplants, the local donors and Omani clients still unconscious on the tables.Item Sex abuse scandal haunts top Catholic cardinal.(New vision, 2017-06-30) AFPFrom country priest to trusted top Vatican aide, the rise of Australia's most senior Catholic cleric, George Pell, has been plagued in its twilight by sordid controversies from the past. To his admirers, the 76-year-old cardinal embodies the orthodox traditions of Australian Catholicism, but to his critics, he represents an institution that has failed to properly deal with child sex abuse allegations.Item Australian builds sh1.9b health centre(New Vision, 2017-07-06) Tumwesige, ArnestExcitement rocked residents of Pacer parish in Parabongo sub-county, Agago district when an Australian farmer handed over a fully fledged health centre to the district local government leaders. The project, worth over sh1.9b includes a hybrid solar-powered piped water scheme, which has the capacity supply water with in a radius of 3sqkm and two staff blocks with eight staff units.Item Managing stroke among the elderiy.(Sunday Vision, 2017-07-09) Kyotalengerire, AgnesThe nation is celebrating the life of John Ssebaana Kizito, the former Democratic Party leader, who on Monday succumbed to stroke. Apparently, stroke is a health condition common among the elderly. In our article, Sunday Vision explores how the health condition can be prevented as well as to manage it.Item Managing stroke among the elderly(Sunday Vision, 2017-07-09) Kyotalengerire, AgnesAccording to Dr Joel Kiryabwiire, a neuro-surgeon at Mulago Hospital, a stroke is a sudden loss of brain function where one becomes unconscious and cannot move on side of the body or do one of the normal functions of the brain like hearing or speaking.