AMPATH Attachment Report – 2012
Chepkoilel University College
Flame of Knowledge and Innovation
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Thanks to AMPATH for giving me this opportunity to be in this organization and its entire staff for making my attachment a remarkable experience. Special appreciation to:
- Mrs. Jepchirchir Kiplagat: Research Manager
- Ms. Eunice Gift: Assistant Research Manager
- Mr. Alfred Koskel: Research Assistant
- Dr. Ann Mwangi head of biostatistics department
- Mr. Koech and Mr. Keter: Biostatisticians
- Mr. Gilbert Simiyu, Ms. Monica Mwaniki and Mr. James Osanya: Data Managers
- My fellow interns.
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this attachment report is my work and has not been published or written elsewhere
CHAPTER 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.2 OBJECTIVES OF ATTACHMENT
- To acquire knowledge on data collection, data entry, data cleaning, data coding, data exporting, data quality, data analyzing and data presentation.
- To learn how to use statistical packages like STATA, SPSS, R and SAS.
- To learn how to create databases using Microsoft Access and Excel.
- To learn how to create questionnaires.
- To acquire knowledge on field and functional activities of a participating organization.
- To build a curriculum vitae.
- To acquire knowledge on health data collection.
ABSTRACT
This is an attachment report in AMPATH from 2nd May to 31st July 2012. It outlines the scope of the report, including how AMPATH works, its brief history, the duties and responsibilities undertaken, and the new skills and knowledge gained. The abstract highlights the collaboration among different departments to create an academic model aimed at improving the health of the Kenyan population.
ACRONYMS
- AMPATH - Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare
- IU - INDIANA UNIVERSITY
- SPSS - Statistical Package for the Social Science
- SAS - Statistical Analysis System
- STATA - Data Analysis and Statistical Software
- R - Open Source Programming Language for Statistical Computing
- HAART - Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
- PMTCT - Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission
- PHI - Haart and Harvest Initiative
- HCT - HIV Counseling and Testing
- FPI - Family Preservation Initiative
- LACE - Legal Aid Centre
- IFS - Immuno Suppressed
- AMRS - Academic Medical Recording System
- DTC - Diagnostic Testing and Counselling
- PCP - Pneumonia
- PTB - Pulmonary Tuberculosis
- CD4 - Cluster Domain
- NFDA - No Known Food and Drug Allergies
- HNAN - HIV Associated Nephropathy
- PHC - Primary Health Care
1.2 HISTORY OF AMPATH
AMPATH (Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare) is an academic model for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. It is a collaboration between Indiana University School of Medicine and Kenyan institutions, offering food, income, and other support to enhance the existing health infrastructure. It began in November 2001 with two sites and has expanded to 55 sites, treating approximately 130,000 patients.
1.3 MISSION AND VISION
- To provide and expand sustainable access to high quality care through excellent healthcare for individuals and population
- Develop passionate leaders in pharmacy
- Perform research focused on local needs and global solutions
- Establish critical healthcare infrastructure and systems
VISION
Innovative, provide and enhance quality care for all people through teamwork and dedication
1.4 VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
- Service with humility
- Spirit of collaboration and partnership
- Mutual respect and mutual benefit in organization partnership
- Focus on vulnerable populations
- Efforts to eliminate health disparities
RESEARCH DEPARTMENT
Conducts clinical and operational research. It entails data collection, data entry, data management, data cleaning, data exporting, data presenting so that health care services can be of high quality.
AMPATH DEPARTMENTS AND DESCRIPTION
AMPATH has different departments that offer different services but with an objective of establishing critical healthcare infrastructure and systems. The departments are:
CLINICAL SERVICES
Services offered by the clinic or modules whereby clients are tested again to confirm HIV status. If positive, the client is registered and given an AMPATH ID number and lab investigations are done.
HAART PHARMACY
Provides reliable and consistent supply of medications along with appropriate counseling
OUTREACH DEPARTMENT
Clients fill locator forms that help the outreach department locate them if they miss appointments for more than two months.
NUTRITION SERVICES
Provides nutritional support to clients to help them maintain health and improve immune system through education and food supplements.
CHAPTER 2 – EXPERIENCES AT AMPATH
3.1 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
DATA COLLECTION
Data collection took place in the MTRH ward, divided into four wards. Data was collected only if the patient was an S or S-exposed child from inpatient registration forms.
DATA ENTRY
Information collected was entered into the AMPATH database, which checks for duplicates and provides feedback on readmissions.
DATA EDITING AND RETRIEVAL
Missing data is retrieved from the ward and re-entered into the AMRS using the nurse's unit station.
3.2 NEW KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS LEARNT
- Data collection methods
- Data entry
- Creation of database
- Collecting health data
- Creation of questionnaire
- Data management
- Data analysis
- Statistical packages like SAS, STATA and R
- EpiInfo and InfoPath
- Administrative skills
- Work ethics
- Medical field terminologies
3.3 THINGS ENJOYED
- Learning statistical packages
- Access to internet for research
- Interacting with biostatisticians and data managers
- Collecting and entering data
3.4 CHALLENGES
- Seeing patients pass away while collecting data
- Computer viruses causing data loss
- Staff availability issues affecting data collection
3.5 BENEFITS OF ATTACHMENT
Learned new statistical packages, work ethics, career choices, strengthened CV, and gained interview preparation experience.
CONCLUSION
This attachment enabled practical application of theoretical knowledge in statistics. I gained skills in data collection, management, and analysis using STATA, SAS, and R, while developing professional interpersonal skills.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Test patients on admission
- Install antivirus software
- Increase computer access for attaches
- Implement strict activity schedules
REFERENCES
- AMPATH Training Institute (ATI)
- AMPATH inpatient registration form
- AMPATH website
APPENDICE
Supporting materials and documentation.
