Basic Concepts of Inventory Management, Appropriate Medicine Use and Pharmacovigilance

Availability, quality, safety, and appropriate use of health commodities are key aspects in providing quality and effective care to patients/clients. Several assessments on health commodity management, appropriate use of medicines, and pharmacovigilance have been conducted in Kenya, revealing gaps in the health system that impact on the availability, quality, safety, and appropriate use of health commodities and ultimately healthcare. Poor inventory management and prescribing practices, as well as a lack of adherence to treatment guidelines, are some of the identified gaps. The goal of this course is to equip health facility staff with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to enable them to manage health commodities effectively. The course is designed for all persons involved in the management of health commodities, including doctors, clinical officers, nurses, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, laboratory staff, nutritionists, and procurement/supplies officers. The course duration is two days, focusing on the theory and practice of inventory management, appropriate medicines use, and pharmacovigilance. The course is organized into 11 sessions, which are closely related. Session 1 provides an overview of the course, while Session 2 focuses on the basics of inventory management. Sessions 3-6 cover quantification, receiving, storage, and issuing of health commodities, respectively. Sessions 7-8 cover dispensing and the logistics management information system (LMIS). Sessions 9-10 focus on appropriate medicines use and pharmacovigilance, respectively. Session 11 introduces a quality improvement approach, the Medication Therapy Plan (MTP). The course will involve various teaching methods, including overview and illustrated lectures, small group discussions, class exercises, and demonstrations. Facilitators will continuously assess participants through question-and-answer sessions, pre-test and post-test questions, and assignments based on case studies. The trainers/facilitators will be drawn from qualified healthcare professionals with expertise and experience in inventory management, appropriate medicines use, and pharmacovigilance. The course will last approximately two days, providing 8 hours of didactic and practical sessions. There will be a course evaluation by participants and implementers at the end of each course, with appropriate changes made where necessary. After the second course, there will be a review of the curriculum by all stakeholders, evaluating the course objectives, content, and resources. Subsequent periodic reviews will be determined by stakeholders. Managing Drug Supply, a 2nd edition publication by Kumarian Press, Inc., is a recommended reading for this course. The publication provides comprehensive information on managing drug supply, including inventory management, procurement, and distribution. The course aims to equip health facility staff with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to manage health commodities effectively, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes in Kenya.