Management of chronic non-communicable diseases at Komfo Anokye and Korle Bu teaching hospitals in Ghana

Abstract

This study explored the management of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Ghana, using phenomenology as the study design. Using purposive and accidental sampling procedures, I interviewed 82 patients receiving care for CNCDs as well as 30 health professionals managing their conditions, using in-depth interview guides. Data collected were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The study revealed that management practices by the health professionals included general education on the CNCDs, checking of vital signs, and the prescription of medications/surgeries based on the CNCDs of the patients. Also, management practices by patients were mainly in the form of self-management which included exercise and diet restrictions. Coping strategies adopted by the patients in managing their conditions included prayer and engaging in social activities such as listening to/watching entertainment programmes on radio/television. Challenges faced by health professionals in managing the CNCDs included job-related stress, inadequate staffing, inadequate logistics, poor utility supply, and inadequate in-service training on CNCDs. Patients had financial challenges in buying medicines and undergoing expensive surgeries, especially those not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The challenges militate against achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 on CNCDs. The findings underscore the need for the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to develop and implement a chronic care management policy to give more priority to the management of CNCDs