Abstract:
Background: A pharmaceutical service is the corner stone for any meaningful health
service. To my knowledge little is known about quality of Auditable Pharmaceutical
Transactions and Services (APTS). Thus we aimed to evaluate APTS initiative
implemented in Jimma medical center.
Objective: To evaluate the quality of auditable pharmaceutical transaction and services at
Jimma Medical Center (JMC).
Methods: A facility based case study evaluation design was used to evaluate quality of
APTS. The evaluation was focused on the process of the service and the approach was
formative. Availability, compliance and client satisfaction were evaluated. Both
qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were employed. Using structured
questionnaire with 298 clients, the sample size was based on single population formula;
document review, observational checklist and in-depth interview with four key informants
were made. Descriptive analysis method was applied and the output presented by table, the
qualitative data were analyzed manually using thematic analysis and results were
triangulate with quantitative result and presented in narrative form. The qualitative data
were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The indicators judged as per the matrix of analysis
and judgment parameter.
Result: The quality of APTS in JMC was measured to be 66% which is good as per
judgment parameter. Lack of APTS workflow due to shortage of pharmacist and the size of
available dispensary rooms. In terms of dimensions availability of resources and
compliance to standards were good with 55 % and 66 % respectively. However, client
satisfaction on the service found to be 78 %. The proportion of clients satisfied with the
quality of the service at the center was 76 %.
Conclusion: The overall quality of APTS at JMC was good. Hence program inputs;
essential drugs, human resource and structural changes should consist with the guideline.
The process of the service measured by compliance; dispensing time, labeling practice,
documenting and reporting should be improved. According to judgment parameter
correction should be given to achieve the required quality service.
