https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6498-8455
Abstract
Background
Tracer drugs are the representative of essential medicines and satisfy the priority healthcare needs of the population. Managing tracer drugs through logistics management information systems is a strategy to enhance their smooth flow for continuous provision of quality health service. This study assessed the availability of tracer drugs and implementation of their logistic management information system in public health facilities of Dessie, North-East Ethiopia.
Methods
Cross-sectional study was conducted from September 15–30, 2017, in all public health facilities of Dessie. The data were collected by reviewing tracer drugs logistic formats and conducting physical inventory. Key informant interview was employed to all pharmacy heads and store managers. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social science version 20 and Microsoft Excel 2010.
Results
Twelve tracer drugs were managed by health facilities. The overall mean availability, mean duration, and average frequency of stock out of tracer drugs (last 6 months) were 74.7%, 48.8 days, and 1.43, respectively. In eight health facilities, logistic records were available, but all health facilities did not use stock cards. Also, 3 out of 9 used the health commodity management information system. On average, 77.8% of the tracer drugs had bin cards, of which, 86% were updated. The discrepancy between physical count and stock keeping records was ranged from 0% to 100%. The causes of stock out were inadequate supply, lack of recording forms, and their inconsistent use.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The availability of tracer drugs was less than the recommended percent, and inadequate supply, poor availability and use of recording forms were the reasons for stock out. Thus, health facility managers and pharmacy heads should work in harmony to ensure uninterrupted supply and implement a logistic management information system.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge Wollo University College of Medicine and Health Sciences Department of Pharmacy for providing us this opportunity to look at the retrospective study of the availability of TDs and implementation of their logistic management information system in public health facilities, Dessie, Ethiopia. Our very great gratitude also goes to store managers of all public health facilities and pharmacy heads who provided their precious time at the data collection time.
Abbreviations
Ems, essential medicines; HCMIS, health commodity management information system; IFRR, Internal Facility Report and Resupply Form; LIAT, Logistics Indicator Assessment Tool; LMIS, logistics management information system; PSA, pharmaceutical supply agency; RRF, Report and Requisition Form; TDs, tracer drugs; WHO, World Health Organization.
Data Sharing Statement
The datasets are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Ethical Consideration
Before commencing data collection, ethical approval was obtained from Ethics Review Committee of the Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University (WU Phar/221/09). Then, the selected health facilities were informed with formal letters. The study was conducted in the selected facilities after getting permission from each facility administrator and Dessie town health office. During the consent process, they were provided with information regarding the purpose of the study, why and how they are selected to be involved in the study, and what will be expected of them. Since there is no anticipated risk, participants of the study have been asked for consent before participating in the study and verbal consent was obtained.
Authors’ Contribution
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors declare that they have no potential competing interest.