Perception of hospital pharmacists/dispensing personnel of the essential drugs concepts (EDC) in Zimbabwe.
The perception of hospital pharmacists/dispensing personnel on the essential drugs concept in Zimbabwe was prospectively evaluated. To this end, 100 ad hoc questionnaires were mailed to the health professional cadre around the country in October 1989. 54 health centres responded and these consisted of 4 central hospitals, 3 provincial, 22 general and district, 14 rural hospitals, 7 private hospitals/clinics and 4 city polyclinics. These health centres serve an estimated population of 6 million people. Of the dispensing personnel, 22% had been trained in their respective health professions after 1983, i.e. after the introduction of the essential drug concept. 65% of the respondents had a working knowledge of the essential drugs concept. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians made up 59% of the dispensing personnel, while nurses accounted for 32%. Significantly all respondents used the Essential Drug List for Zimbabwe hand book and they thought the concept is a good one.
Nhachi
C F
CF
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Zimbabwe, Medical School, Avondale, Harare.
Kasilo
O J
OJ
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003906:Developing Countries; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005572:Formularies, Hospital as Topic; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010595:Pharmacists / Q000523:psychology* / Q000600:supply & distribution; D010596:Pharmacy Technicians / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology / Q000600:supply & distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015030:Zimbabwe