Relevance of Clinical Autopsy in Medical Practice in Sub-Saharan Africa

Autopsy is very important in medical practice and is being increasingly relegated both in the developed and developing countries. Though autopsy rate has been on the decline; the exact rates are difficult to determine because various reports are influenced by many factors. The danger of the decline in the developing countries is that equipment for proper diagnosis is not yet available; therefore; most diagnoses are not made and the cause of death would not have been known. This article reviews the benefits of autopsy in modern practice; the importance of perinatal autopsy and the shortcomings of modern technology in the diagnosis and determination of the cause of death. Electronic literature search combined with the review of both local publications and relevant texts were carried out. Clinicians should endeavor to request for postmortem examination as the benefits far outweigh the reasons proffered for the decline in the autopsy rate

Evidence of Strategic Human Resource Management Practice in a Public Sector Organisation: a Content Analysis of the HRM Policy and Strategy of the Ministry of Health of Ghana; 2007- 2011

Competitive forces coupled with new and continuing demands require public sector organisations to be increasingly careful in thinking about their strategies. This is complicated especially for the health sector because it must do so in a multi-sectoral environment where system complicate decision making. This paper examines the evidence of Human Resource Management Strategies and practices in a public sector organization; the Ministry of Health of Ghana. The paper examines strategies of the Human Resources of the Ministry of Health of Ghana to achieve the objectives of reforms which are largely to make quality health care accessible and affordable to the people of Ghana with the right staff doing the right job at the right place. It is an established fact that the success of every organization depends greatly on its human resource. However having the right quantity and quality of employees at the right place is the problem. HRM strategy is about providing the right numbers and calibre of staff; as well as retaining and motivating staff to enhance productivity. There are difficulties in developing appropriate HRM strategies to enable especially public sector organisations achieve their objectives. There is no perfect solution as to how to evolve an effective HRM strategy. Nonetheless there are some general principles of best practice that policy makers should keep in mind. Where these principles are not considered and a balance is not achieved; a policy may be impotent at birth and not facilitate organisational success

The Medical Management of Opioid Dependence in South Africa

Objective : With the increase in opioid dependence in South Africa; medical practitioners are increasingly confronted with requests to treat patients with opioid use disorders. Many medical practitioners; however; do not possess the required knowledge and skills to effectively deal with these patients. An overview of the medical treatment of opioid dependence is provided. Method : A working group of key doctors working in the field of substance dependence; was elected at an Opioid Experts Meeting and compiled guidelines for the management of opioid dependence. This article provides a summery of these guidelines. Recommendations are based on current best practice as derived from scientific evidence and consensus of the working group. It should never replace individual clinical judgment

Partnership Replaces Paternalism in Medical Practice

"The belief and practice that doctors know best what is good and suited for their patients is deeply rooted among practicing doctors in Uganda. It is benign; and may be well intentioned; but it has had the effect of creating and maintaining an unhealthy dependency which is now out of step with currents elsewhere or even with out currents in Uganda. Assumptions that doctor; nurse or midwife knows best; making all decisions on behalf of patients without involving them; and feeling threatened or offended when patients ask questions or make suggestions - these signs of patermilism should have no place in modern health care. In this article I consider the scope for creating meaningful partnership between doctors and patients. ""Paternalism"" has no further part to play in health care delivery now; and most countries have embraced or are embracing ""partnership""; which is known to greatly increase patients satisfaction and compliance; and also increases the rate of recovery from their illnesses."

Reflexions sur la pratique du limage dentaire

Cette etude decrit la pratique de limage a Madagascar. L'enquete; effectuee sur deux tradipraticiens et 102 sujets limes; a permis d'analyser les differentes motivations et les consequences de cette forme de mutilation au niveau des dents limees; du parodonte; de l'articulation temporo-mandibulaire et du visage. Nous avons ainsi suggere des solutions de compromis adaptees aux contextes socio-culturels et sanitaires de Madagascar