Validation of a tool for assessing the quality of pharmaceutical services

Abstract

This paper presents the validation process for a tool assessing basic pharmaceutical services through an analysis of the implementation of a Basic Pharmaceuticals Distribution Program by the Brazilian Federal government. The process began with the drafting of a theoretical model, based on a state-of-the-art review and allowing the selection of various conceptual dimensions and respective criteria that best represented the construct. The second step involved weighting indicators for the construction of quality scores. Three models were tested for ranking implementation levels, and seven simulations were conducted, determining the score most closely reflecting the selected indicators in two different matrices. The objective was to select the most coherent and consistent version between implementation levels and expected outcomes, while simultaneously enhancing validity of chosen criteria. Testing of the various models and the results obtained showed that augmenting the validity of the study was possible without altering data. This endeavor is justified in understanding the scope and limitations of these measurements and of the choices involved in issues concerning their weighting and interpretation.

Acute intentional and accidental poisoning with medications in a southern Brazilian city

“…The existence of a huge variety of pharmaceuticals with dubious safety and efficacy can favor the indiscriminate sale and resulting over-utilization of these products, leading to the occurrence of harmful effects, often poisonings 8 .…”

Determinantes nas intoxicações medicamentosas agudas na zona urbana de um município do Sul do Brasil

“…Saúde Pública, Rio de Janeiro, 24(2):333-341, fev, 2008 resistência ao uso racional de produtos da indús-tria farmacêutica, tais como a existência de uma imensa variedade de fármacos de segurança e eficácia duvidosas e ausência de iniciativas para formação de profissionais de saúde capazes de orientar adequadamente sobre o uso correto de medicamentos 7,8 . Técnicas de marketing que atraem prescritores e usuários de medicamentos também favorecem a utilização inadequada desses produtos por uma parcela considerável da população.…”

Assessment of pharmaceutical services in HIV/AIDS health units in the city of Niterói, Brazil

“…The five experts who participated had all at least 10 years in the profession, and not less than five years of activity in the STD/AIDS program. Initially meetings were conducted with these professionals to define the assessment focuses on the perspective of management, as well as defining the logical model (adaptation of Oliveira models, 2002 andCosendey, 2003). These experts were also asked to assign weights 1-3 (3 being more relevant) to each proposed indicator.…”