Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
14:32
Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 17, 2011
25.0K
Equitable access to quality trauma systems in Ghana: a qualitative study
Sheba Mary Pognaa Kunfah1, Mustapha Yakubu2, Bernard Ofori-Appiah3
1Department of Public Health, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana shebawondoh@gmail.com.
BMJ Open
|February 12, 2025
Summary
Accessing quality trauma care in Ghana is hindered by numerous interconnected barriers, including financial difficulties, affecting patients at all stages of care. Addressing these requires community-level health literacy and facility improvements.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Trauma Care Research
- Health Systems Analysis
Background:
- Access to quality trauma care is crucial for patient outcomes after injury.
- Ghana faces challenges in providing timely and effective trauma services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and explore the barriers preventing access to quality trauma care following injury in Ghana.
- To understand the factors contributing to delays in seeking, reaching, receiving, and remaining in care.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study was conducted in rural and urban settings in Ghana.
- Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were held with 53 injured patients.
- Thematic analysis using the four-delay framework was applied to transcribed data.
Main Results:
- Participants encountered multiple, interrelated barriers across all stages of trauma care.
- Individual, community, and health system factors significantly impede access to quality care.
- Financial difficulties were identified as a prominent barrier in both rural and urban settings.
Conclusions:
- Multiple factors contribute to delays in the trauma care continuum, necessitating comprehensive strategies.
- Enhancing community health literacy and improving facility resources are vital.
- Policy interventions focused on reducing financial barriers and strengthening referral systems, particularly in rural areas, are essential for improving trauma care access.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
4.3K
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
4.3K
01:26Traditional Level Of Health Care System
3.6K
The levels of care describe the services provided in the healthcare system. Accordingly, there are six levels of the traditional healthcare system in the US: preventive, primary, secondary, tertiary, restorative, and continuing healthcare. A nurse must understand how the healthcare industry organizes and provides services within these levels of care.
The preventive healthcare service includes tests for screening. Preventive health care services include identifying and reducing disease risk...
The preventive healthcare service includes tests for screening. Preventive health care services include identifying and reducing disease risk...
3.6K
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
2.7K
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
2.7K
01:11Secondary Healthcare System
2.2K
Secondary healthcare is offered by a specialist, generally in hospitals or clinics for patients referred by primary healthcare providers. It occurs when a person has an illness or injury that requires specific medical care. Secondary care is often referred to as acute care. Secondary care can range from uncomplicated care to repair a minor laceration or treat a strep throat infection to more complicated emergent care, such as treating a head injury sustained in an automobile accident. Whatever...
2.2K
01:21Tertiary Healthcare System
2.4K
Specialized care provided over an extended period is called tertiary care. Usually, a primary or secondary care physician will refer a patient to tertiary care. A patient's maximum physical and mental function is restored in tertiary care, which is caused due to the impact of a chronic illness or condition. Tertiary care aims to achieve the highest level of functioning possible while managing chronic illness. For example, a patient who falls and fractures their hip will need secondary care...
2.4K
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
458
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
458