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Obstetric Capacity Strengthening in Ghana Results in Wide Geographic Distribution and Retention of Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologists: A Quantitative Analysis
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  • Melani Kekulawala,
  • Ali Samba,
  • Yael Braunschweig,
  • Jacob Plange-Rhule,
  • Cornelius Turpin,
  • Timothy Johnson ,
  • Frank Anderson
Melani Kekulawala
University of Michigan School of Public Health

Corresponding Author:melanik@umich.edu

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Ali Samba
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
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Yael Braunschweig
University of Michigan School of Public Health
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Jacob Plange-Rhule
Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons
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Cornelius Turpin
Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
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Timothy Johnson
University of Michigan Michigan Medicine
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Frank Anderson
University of Michigan
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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.
14 Sep 2021Submitted to BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
14 Sep 2021Submission Checks Completed
14 Sep 2021Assigned to Editor
20 Sep 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Nov 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 Dec 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
26 Jan 20221st Revision Received
28 Jan 2022Submission Checks Completed
28 Jan 2022Assigned to Editor
28 Jan 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
09 Feb 2022Editorial Decision: Accept
14 Feb 2022Published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. 10.1111/1471-0528.17121