Stakeholder Perceptions and Context of the Implementation of Performance-Based Financing in District Hospitals in Mali

Background: To improve the performance of the healthcare system, Mali’s government implemented a pilot project of performance-based financing (PBF) in the field of reproductive health. It was established in the Koulikoro region. This research analyses the process of implementing PBF at district hospital (DH) level, something which has rarely been done in Africa.Methods: This qualitative research is based on a multiple, explanatory, and contrasting case study with nested levels of analysis. It covered three of the 10 DHs in the Koulikoro region. We conducted 36 interviews: 12 per DH with council of circle’s members (2) and health personnel (10). We also conducted 24 non-participant observation sessions, 16 informal interviews, and performed a literature review. We performed data analysis using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).Results: Stakeholders perceived the PBF pilot project as a vertical intervention from outside that focused solely on reproductive health. Local actors were not involved in the design of the PBF model. Several difficulties regarding the quality of its design and implementation were highlighted: too short duration of the intervention (8 months), choice and insufficient number of indicators according to the priority of the donors, and impossibility of making changes to the model during its implementation. All health workers adhered to the principles of PBF intervention. Except for members of the district health management team (DHMT) involved in the implementation, respondents only had partial knowledge of the PBF intervention. The implementation of PBF appeared to be easier in District 3 Hospital compared to District 1 and District 2 because it benefited from a pre-pilot project and had good leadership.Conclusion: The PBF programme offered an opportunity to improve the quality of care provided to the population through the motivation of health personnel in Mali. However, several obstacles were observed during the implementation of the PBF pilot project in DHs. When designing and implementing PBF in DHs, it is necessary to consider factors that can influence the implementation of a complex intervention

Rethinking development interventions through the lens of decoloniality in sub-Saharan Africa : the case of global health

There has been much talk about decolonizing global health lately. The movement, which has arisen in various communities around the world, suggests an interesting critique of the Western dominant model of representations. Building upon the ‘decolonial thinking’ movement from the perspective of Francophone African philosophers, we comment on its potential for inspiring the field of global healthinterventions. Using existing literature and personal reflections, we reflect on two widely known illustrations of global health interventions implemented in sub-Saharan Africa – distribution of contraceptives and dissemination of Ebola virus prevention and treatment devices – featuring different temporal backdrops. We show how these solutions have most often targeted the superficial dimensions of global health problems, sidestepping the structures and mental models that shape the actions and reactions of African populations. Lastly, we question the ways through which the decolonial approach might indeed offer a credible positioning for rethinking global health interventions

Comment favoriser la communication thérapeutique avec une population vulnérable ? Des approches et des outils pour les professionnels prenant en charge les mineurs non accompagnés

En France, les mineurs non accompagnés (MNA) rencontrent de multiples obstacles qui peuvent avoir des effets négatifs sur leur santé mentale. Les professionnels de la santé et du social qui participent à leur prise en charge doivent développer et mettre en œuvre des approches et outils adaptés aux réalités des MNA et qui leur offrent un espace d’interactions le plus ouvert possible. À partir d’une revue de littérature, nous proposons dans cet article de dresser un état des lieux de la santé mentale des MNA, et d’identifier les approches et les outils développés et mis en œuvre par les professionnels qui visent à favoriser la communication et l’expression des MNA (notamment : approche interculturelle, travail en interdisciplinarité, art-thérapie). Nous formulons en conclusion plusieurs pistes de réflexion à l’endroit des professionnels et des pouvoirs publics.In France, unaccompanied minors (UMs) encounter several obstacles that can have negative effects on their mental health. Health and social workers must develop and implement approaches and tools that are adapted to the realities of UMs, and that encourage a space to foster discussions. Based on a review of the literature, this article explores the mental health status and needs of UMs and highlights the approaches and tools developed and implemented by professionals to encourage communication with UMs (e.g., intercultural approach, interdisciplinary work, art therapy). Based on results from the review, we suggest recommendations for professionals and public authorities

How is the discourse of performance-based financing shaped at the global level? A poststructural analysis

Background: Performance-based financing (PBF) in low- and middle-income settings has diffused at an unusually rapid pace. While many studies have looked at PBF implementation processes and effects, there is an empirical research gap investigating the ways PBF has diffused. Discursive processes are paramount elements of policy diffusion because they explain the origins of essential elements of the political debate on PBF. Using Bacchi’s poststructural approach that emphasises problem representations embedded in the discourse, the present study analyses the construction of the global discourse on PBF. Methods: A rich corpus of qualitative data (57 in-depth interviews and 10 observation notes) was collected. The transcribed material was coded using QDAMiner©. Codes were assembled to populate analytical categories informed by the framework on diffusion entrepeneurs and Bacchi’s poststructural approach. Results: Our results feature problem representations shaped and spread by PBF global diffusion entrepreneurs. We explain how these representations reflected diffusion entrepreneurs’ own belief systems and interests, and conflicted with those of non-diffusion entrepreneurs. This research also reveals the specific strategies global diffusion entrepreneurs engaged in to effectively diffuse PBF, through reflecting problem representations based on the discourse on PBF, and inducing certain forms of policy experimentation, emulation, and learning. Conclusions: Bacchi’s poststructural approach is useful to analyse the construction of global health problem representations and the strategies set by global diffusion entrepreneurs to spread these representations. Future research is needed to investigate the belief systems, motivations, resources, and strategies of actors that shape the construction of global health discourses

Stakeholder perceptions and context of the implementation of performance-based financing in district hospitals in Mali

This research analyzes the process of implementing performance-based financing (PBF) at district hospital (DH) level in Mali. Problems such as malfunctioning management bodies, or mobilizing staff for meetings prevented adequate implementation of PBF. Communication channels and tools were defective in the vast majority of DHs. In addition, there were problems in motivation of health workers. The article provides background to PBF initiatives and examines specific data in relation to district hospitals. Performance-based financing (PBF) is a mechanism whereby health facilities are paid on the basis of their performance, which is measured by the quantity and quality of services they provide

Implementing performance-based financing in peripheral health centres in Mali : what can we learn from it?

The study findings revealed that the internal context of performance-based financing (PBF) implementation played a key role in the process of improving health system performance. High-performing primary healthcare facilities exercised leadership and commitment. These two characteristics were associated with taking initiatives to promote PBF implementation and strengthening team spirit. The PBF project in Mali discussed in this article was funded by the World Bank as part of a larger initiative towards improved reproductive health. With few exceptions, PBF was perceived as a complicated intervention to implement, partly because of data management procedures.Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)Canadian Global Affairs (GAC

Kenya’s Health in All Policies strategy: a policy analysis using Kingdon’s multiple streams

Background: Health in All Policies (HiAP) is an intersectoral approach that facilitates decision-making among policy-makers to maximise positive health impacts of other public policies. Kenya, as a member of WHO, has committed to adopting HiAP, which has been included in the Kenya Health Policy for the period 2014–2030. This study aims to assess the extent to which this commitment is being translated into the process of governmental policy-making and supported by international development partners as well as non-state actors. Methods: To examine HiAP in Kenya, a qualitative case study was performed, including a review of relevant policy documents. Furthermore, 40 key informants with diverse backgrounds (government, UN agencies, development agencies, civil society) were interviewed. Analysis was carried out using the main dimensions of Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Approach (problems, policy, politics). Results: Kenya is facing major health challenges that are influenced by various social determinants, but the implementation of intersectoral action focusing on health promotion is still arbitrary. On the policy level, little is known about HiAP in other government ministries. Many health-related collaborations exist under the concept of intersectoral collaboration, which is prominent in the country’s development framework – Vision 2030 – but with no specific reference to HiAP. Under the political stream, the study highlights that political commitment from the highest office would facilitate mainstreaming the HiAP strategy, e.g. by setting up a department under the President’s Office. The budgeting process and planning for the Sustainable Development Goals were found to be potential windows of opportunity. Conclusion: While HiAP is being adopted as policy in Kenya, it is still perceived by many stakeholders as the business of the health sector, rather than a policy for the whole government and beyond. Kenya’s Vision 2030 should use HiAP to foster progress in all sectors with health promotion as an explicit goal

Lessons learned from field experiences on hospitals’ resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic : a systematic approach

In this concluding article of the special issue, we examine lessons learned from hospitals’ resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, and Mali. A quality lesson learned (QLL) results from a systematic process of collecting, compiling, and analyzing data derived ideally from sustained effort over the life of a research project and reflecting both positive and negative experiences. To produce QLLs as part of this research project, a guide to their development was drafted. The systematic approach we adopted to formulate quality lessons, while certainly complex, took into account the challenges faced by the different stakeholders involved in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we present a comparative analysis of the lessons learned by hospitals and their staff with regard to four common themes that were the subject of empirical analyses: 1) infrastructure reorganization; 2) human resources management; 3) prevention and control of infection risk; and 4) logistics and supply. The lessons learned from the resilience of the hospitals included in this research indicate several factors to consider in preparing for a health crisis: 1) strengthening the coordination and leadership capacities of hospital managers and health authorities; 2) improving communication strategies; 3) strengthening organizational capacity; and 4) adapting resources and strategies, including for procurement and infection risk management

Frequency and management of maternal infection in health facilities in 52 countries (GLOSS): a 1-week inception cohort study

Background: Maternal infections are an important cause of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity. We report the main findings of the WHO Global Maternal Sepsis Study, which aimed to assess the frequency of maternal infections in health facilities, according to maternal characteristics and outcomes, and coverage of core practices for early identification and management. Methods: We did a facility-based, prospective, 1-week inception cohort study in 713 health facilities providing obstetric, midwifery, or abortion care, or where women could be admitted because of complications of pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum, or post-abortion, in 52 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). We obtained data from hospital records for all pregnant or recently pregnant women hospitalised with suspected or confirmed infection. We calculated ratios of infection and infection-related severe maternal outcomes (ie, death or near-miss) per 1000 livebirths and the proportion of intrahospital fatalities across country income groups, as well as the distribution of demographic, obstetric, clinical characteristics and outcomes, and coverage of a set of core practices for identification and management across infection severity groups. Findings: Between Nov 28, 2017, and Dec 4, 2017, of 2965 women assessed for eligibility, 2850 pregnant or recently pregnant women with suspected or confirmed infection were included. 70·4 (95% CI 67·7–73·1) hospitalised women per 1000 livebirths had a maternal infection, and 10·9 (9·8–12·0) women per 1000 livebirths presented with infection-related (underlying or contributing cause) severe maternal outcomes. Highest ratios were observed in LMICs and the lowest in HICs. The proportion of intrahospital fatalities was 6·8% among women with severe maternal outcomes, with the highest proportion in low-income countries. Infection-related maternal deaths represented more than half of the intrahospital deaths. Around two-thirds (63·9%, n=1821) of the women had a complete set of vital signs recorded, or received antimicrobials the day of suspicion or diagnosis of the infection (70·2%, n=1875), without marked differences across severity groups. Interpretation: The frequency of maternal infections requiring management in health facilities is high. Our results suggest that contribution of direct (obstetric) and indirect (non-obstetric) infections to overall maternal deaths is greater than previously thought. Improvement of early identification is urgently needed, as well as prompt management of women with infections in health facilities by implementing effective evidence-based practices.Fil: Althabe, Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; ArgentinaFil: Espinoza, Marisa Mabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; ArgentinaFil: Pasquale, Julia. No especifíca;Fil: Hernández Muñoz, Rosalinda. No especifíca;Fil: Carvajal, Javier. No especifíca;Fil: Escobar, María Fernanda. No especifíca;Fil: Cecatti, José Guilherme. No especifíca;Fil: Ribeiro Do Valle, Carolina C.. No especifíca;Fil: Mereci, Wilson. No especifíca;Fil: Vélez, Paola. No especifíca;Fil: Pérez, Aquilino M.. No especifíca;Fil: Vitureira, Gerardo. No especifíca;Fil: Leroy, Charlotte. No especifíca;Fil: Roelens, Kristien. No especifíca;Fil: Vandenberghe, Griet. No especifíca;Fil: Aguemon, Christiane Tshabu. No especifíca;Fil: Cisse, Kadari. No especifíca;Fil: Ouedraogo, Henri Gautier. No especifíca;Fil: Kannitha, Cheang. No especifíca;Fil: Rathavy, Tung. No especifíca;Fil: Tebeu, Pierre Marie. No especifíca;Fil: Bustillo, Carolina. No especifíca;Fil: Bredy, Lara. No especifíca;Fil: Herrera Maldonado, Nazarea. No especifíca;Fil: Abdosh, Abdulfetah Abdulkadir. No especifíca;Fil: Teklu, Alula M.. No especifíca;Fil: Kassa, Dawit Worku. No especifíca;Fil: Kumar, Vijay. No especifíca;Fil: Suri, Vanita. No especifíca;Fil: Trikha, Sonia. No especifíca

Complementary intestinal mucosa and microbiota responses to caloric restriction

The intestine is key for nutrient absorption and for interactions between the microbiota and its host. Therefore, the intestinal response to caloric restriction (CR) is thought to be more complex than that of any other organ. Submitting mice to 25% CR during 14 days induced a polarization of duodenum mucosa cell gene expression characterised by upregulation, and downregulation of the metabolic and immune/inflammatory pathways, respectively. The HNF, PPAR, STAT, and IRF families of transcription factors, particularly the Pparα and Isgf3 genes, were identified as potentially critical players in these processes. The impact of CR on metabolic genes in intestinal mucosa was mimicked by inhibition of the mTOR pathway. Furthermore, multiple duodenum and faecal metabolites were altered in CR mice. These changes were dependent on microbiota and their magnitude corresponded to microbial density. Further experiments using mice with depleted gut bacteria and CR-specific microbiota transfer showed that the gene expression polarization observed in the mucosa of CR mice is independent of the microbiota and its metabolites. The holistic interdisciplinary approach that we applied allowed us to characterize various regulatory aspects of the host and microbiota response to CR