Facility assessment for lymphatic filariasis-morbidity management and disability accessibility in Ghana

Sightsavers has implemented separate protocols/toolkits to assess: 1) the accessibility of health facilities’ infrastructure for people with disabilities, and 2) health facilities’ readiness to provide lymphatic filariasis (LF) morbidity management.

Combining these assessments could potentially save cost and time, and facilitate more comprehensive discussions with facility management and staff on health system strengthening. This study on the integrated application of the tools will improve our understanding of opportunities for economies of scale and how to maximise cost-effectiveness and impact of such assessments in resource-limited settings.

• To combine the protocols for disability accessibility and LF management, thereby developing an enhanced assessment tool for health facilities (HFs)
• To test the feasibility of carrying out integrated protocols in selected LF endemic areas of Ghana, capturing data on the benefits and challenges, the experiences of the assessment teams and other stakeholders, and any economic advantages of this integration

Secondary objectives:

• To evaluate the preparedness of HFs in managing and treating LF patients
• To evaluate the current status of disability accessibility of the facilities designated to provide LF care
• To recommend improvements for enhancing accessibility and treatment capabilities in the assessed HFs
• To build the body of evidence guiding further integration of the toolkits and comprehensive health system strengthening

The findings will inform policy making and health system strengthening practices, not only in Ghana but also in other countries that are endemic for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

If the study proves successful (i.e. it demonstrates cost effectiveness and reduced disruption to routine HF operations) the experience will be used to advocate for considering the integration of other HF assessments/toolkits, in the space of disability, NTDs and beyond.

• View our publication on a hydrocoele surgery facility assessment tool for LF
• View our publication on the use of digital tools to measure health facility readiness
• View our facility assessment tools for lymphedema management and hydrocele operations
• View our accessibility standards
• Learn about our partnership with FCDO to tackle LF