Abstract:
Background: Auditable pharmaceutical transactions and services have been implemented in
Ethiopia to build accountable, transparent, and responsible pharmacy practice and used to
improve pharmaceutical transaction and management. The program has been implemented in
321(7.8%) of health facilities in Ethiopia and only 7(0.05%) of health facility implemented
the program in Jimma zone. However, little is known about the level of implementation, and
its intermediate outcomes. Objective: This study was to assess the implementation status of
auditable pharmaceuticals transaction and service intervention in selected public hospitals in
Jimma Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: A facility based case study evaluation design
was used to evaluate the program. The evaluation was focused on the process of the program
and the approach was formative. Availability, compliance and client satisfaction were
evaluated. Concurrently both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. Using
interview administered questionnaires with 326 clients, the sample size was based on single
population formula; 20 document review, and 12 key informant interviews were made.
Descriptive analysis method was applied and the qualitative data were analyzed manually
using thematic analysis and presented in narrative form. The qualitative data were analyzed
using SPSS version 23. The indicators judged as per the matrix of analysis and judgment
parameter. Result: The availability of resource (trained person, basic equipment and tools,
infra-structure and essential medicine) was measured to be 79.3% which is good as per
judgment parameter; but lack of trained professionals. Compliance of service as per guideline
was measured to be 69.3%, which is fair; but supportive supervisions, and auditing of the
pharmaceuticals were the major gaps. However, client satisfaction on the pharmacy service
found to be 81.5 % which is good as per judgment. About 58.6% of clients interviewed after
getting pharmacy service were satisfied. Those able to read and write (AOR = 2.64) and
those have adequate knowledge, AOR = 8.13) were significantly associated with pharmacy
service satisfaction.Conclusion and recommendation: The overall implementation of the
program was fair (73.3%). Trained human resource, auditing and supportive supervision
should be done according to guideline.
