Obstetric Capacity Strengthening in Ghana Results in Wide Geographic
Distribution and Retention of Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologists: A
Quantitative Analysis
Abstract
Objectives: Our primary objective to determine the cumulative retention
of Ob/Gyns since the inception of the program, to determine the
demographic and practice characteristics of all Ob/Gyns who have been
trained by the Ghana postgraduate Ob/Gyn programs, and to compare the
geographic distribution of Ob/Gyns throughout Ghana between 2010 when a
prior study was conducted and the current practice locations of all
graduates in 2017. Design: Cross-sectional, Quantitative Investigation
Setting: Fieldwork for this study was conducted in Ghana between June
21, 2017, and August 20, 2017. Methods: A roster of certified Ob/Gyns,
year certified, and email contact information was obtained from the
Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, a roster of practice locations
was obtained from Ghana Medical Board. Main Outcome Measures: retention
of Ob/Gyns, geographic distribution of providers, fand comparisons
between 2010 and 2017 Results: Significant geographic spread and
increase in in-country medical programs have occurred over the
seven-year period. In recent years, the Ghana College of Physicians and
Surgeons surpassed that of the West African College of Surgeons.
Conclusion: Establishing an Ob/gyn training program with national
certification provides a cadre of certified Ob/Gyns that can be trained
and retained in low-income settings. Moreover, this allows for long term
commitment in multiple relevant sectors that may serve to establish a
comprehensive obstetric and gynecology capacity beyond urban centers.