Assessing competence and traning needs of the healtth supplychain workforce in public health facilities in Teso sub region Uganda

Abstract

Background: Human resources is the back bone of any supply chain system and is the key enabler for all other functions to effectively perform. The Ugandan health supply chain system has been found to be performing poorly from researches conducted, citing the shortage of a skilled health supply chain workforce. However, there is limited knowledge and understanding of the existing levels of competence of the health supply chain workforce as well as the training needs. This study assessed the competence and training needs of the health supply chain workforce in public health facilities in Teso sub region Uganda. Methods: A concurrent mixed methods study was conducted among 30 public health facilities located in Teso sub region Uganda selected by proportionate simple random sampling. These included the regional referral hospital, one general hospital, five HC IVs and 23 HC IIIs. Quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire and checklist administered to 41 respondents selected purposively while qualitative data were gathered through key informant interviews with nine health care workers also selected purposively. Analysis of quantitative data was then conducted using SPSS version 19 while qualitative data from key informant interviews analyzed thematically and reported verbatim supported by quotes for referencing from the key informants. Results: Overall competence was 58.54%. Majority of the respondents showed skilled level competence in selection & quantification 21(51.22%), procurement 27(65.85%), storage & distribution 30(73.17%), use 21(52.2%). The no proficiency competence was observed in selection & quantification 1(2.44%) and use 2(4.88%) while expert level competence was observed in selection & quantification 2(4.88%), procurement 4(9.76%) and use 8(19.51%). Overall, study participants showed relatively high competence in the procurement (61.79%) and use (61.78%), moderate competence in storage & distribution (57.72%) and low competence in the selection & quantification domain (52.85%). The factors influencing competence were years of experience (p=0.031, AOR=2.90, CI=1.10-7.80) and qualification (diploma: p=0.09, AOR=2.05, CI=1.19-3.53 and degree: p=0.033, AOR=2.81,CI=1.09-7.25). Training needs were identified in areas of LMIS, pharmacovigilance, waste management, inventory management and ordering and distribution. Conclusion: Competence levels of the health supply chain workforce in public health facilities vary widely with competence gaps in LMIS, pharmacovigilance and inventory management. Key words: Health supply chain workforce, competence, training needs.