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BackgroundStudies have demonstrated the potential impact of pharmaceutical services in HIV care [1]. We sought to extend HIV pharmacy services at the Dean Street outpatient HIV/GUM clinic to improve efficiency and enhance client satisfaction. The pharmacy team was expanded and a satellite dispensary was opened in the clinic. This project compares the new dispensary service with the previous one offered.MethodComparisons were made between the pre‐ and post‐change period across a range of pharmaceutical services provided and patient satisfaction feedback. Medicine‐related interventions, repeat prescription requests, waiting and dispensing times were recorded. Service satisfaction questionnaires were designed for patients to quantify aspects of service provision.ResultsTypes of interventions remain broadly similar (p=0.353), with an increase in the daily number of interventions (p=0.0038) and a decrease in time spent per intervention (p=0.006) in the new service delivery model. A greater dispensing time (p=0.035, p=0.001) and time per item (p=0.043, p=0.002) for prescriptions with related queries was seen across both periods. However, the time taken to dispense prescriptions remained similar pre‐ and post change (p=0.8). The patient satisfaction survey had a series of statements relating to pharmacy services; there was a stronger association with patient satisfaction seen for the provided services during the post‐change period. The number and types of repeat prescription requests remain unchanged (p=0.342); however, patient prescription requests were completed more efficiently post‐change (mean time 5.4 minutes) as compared to pre‐change (mean 12.6 minutes; p = 0.001). There was also a significantly lower rate of FP10 prescriptions issued in the post‐change period due to a greater choice of available medications.ConclusionThe care contributions of HIV pharmacists to a multidisciplinary HIV clinic providing patient‐centred care were measured before and after the introduction of a satellite dispensary service. The expanded pharmacy service has increased efficiency by completing more tasks in less time and increased access to medications for patients. Its focus is dealing with patient‐related queries and providing support for the patients seen at the clinic.

OBJECTIVES: Research is key to achieving global development goals. Our objectives were to develop and test an evidence-informed process for assessing health research management and support systems (RMSS) in four African universities and for tracking interventions to address capacity gaps. SETTING: Four African universities. PARTICIPANTS: 83 university staff and students from 11 cadres. INTERVENTION/METHODS: A literature-informed 'benchmark' was developed and used to itemise all components of a university's health RMSS. Data on all components were collected during site visits to four African universities using interview guides, document reviews and facilities observation guides. Gaps in RMSS capacity were identified against the benchmark and institutional action plans developed to remedy gaps. Progress against indicators was tracked over 15 months and common challenges and successes identified. RESULTS: Common gaps in operational health research capacity included no accessible research strategy, a lack of research e-tracking capability and inadequate quality checks for proposal submissions and contracts. Feedback indicated that the capacity assessment was comprehensive and generated practical actions, several of which were no-cost. Regular follow-up helped to maintain focus on activities to strengthen health research capacity in the face of challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of each institutions' strengths and weaknesses against an evidence-informed benchmark enabled them to identify gaps in in their operational health research systems, to develop prioritised action plans, to justify resource requests to fulfil the plans and to track progress in strengthening RMSS. Use of a standard benchmark, approach and tools enabled comparisons across institutions which has accelerated production of evidence about the science of research capacity strengthening. The tools could be used by institutions seeking to understand their strengths and to address gaps in research capacity. Research capacity gaps that were common to several institutions could be a 'smart' investment for governments and health research funders.