title: Pharmacist-led medication-related needs assessment in rural Ghana.
abstract: Access to both essential and non-essential medications is increasing worldwide. While increased drug access is a positive development, many countries lack the infrastructure for appropriate distribution, administration, and monitoring of drug therapy. The objective of this study was to assess medication and pharmacy-related needs in the rural Ashanti Region of Ghana and to determine barriers of achieving optimal health outcomes in this region. Qualitative domains and associated themes were identified by observations from integration into community culture and from conduction of semi-structured interviews with local community leaders, health workers, or those with knowledge of health-related issues. Eight semi-structured interviews were completed and four thematic domains were identified; access to care, resource shortages, medication safety, and education/training. Barriers and challenges identified under each thematic domain included (but were not limited to) availability of clean water sources, shortages of medications and diagnostic equipment, financial considerations, misunderstanding of medication indications and directions for use, and shortages of qualified pharmacy or dispensary staff. Most respondents also expressed a need for continuing education and training of healthcare personnel. It can be concluded that there is a need for development of health services related to medications. Locally supported interventions and future research should focus on barriers and challenges identified from the thematic domains.
authors: Assistant Professor - Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
authors: Kyle John
authors: KJ
authors: Wilby
authors: Jill
authors: J
authors: Lacey
keywords: Medication; Needs assessment; Pharmacy; Public health
references: Health Policy Plan. 2004 Jul;19(4):234-41
references: 15208279
references: J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2005 Oct 1;40(2):241-2
references: 16186746
references: Soc Sci Med. 2009 Mar;68(5):949-56
references: 19152991