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PCMO Interview Transcript
I think I can answer some of your questions based on my knowledge of how the PCMO system works here in Ghana.
Q1: It would be helpful to have a list of medical items that PCV's are issued and can request from inventory.
Technically, you can request any medication from the PCMO, however it has to be prescribed to you or one of the inventory items. It was attached a spreadsheet (see list below) of the items available in our medical kits. These are probably the most requested items and all available without a Rx.
- Acetaminophen
- Bismuth Tablets
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- Throat lozenges
- Hipacleanse
- Antacid tablets
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Benadryl
- Ibuprofen
- Iodine water purification tablets
- Oral Rehydration Salts
- Nasal decongestant
- Eye drops
- Anti-diarrheal pills
- Caladryl cream
- Adhesive tape
- Bandages
- Butterfly closures
- Condoms
- Dental floss
- Elastic bandage
- Gauze
- Exam gloves
- Rapid malaria kit
- Insect repellant
- lip balm
- Bandage scissors
- Sunscreen
- Tweezers
- Thermometer
- Tampons
- Pre-natal vitamins
- Calcium
- Birth control
- Water filter candle
Q2: Are the PCMO's responsible for supplying these items to the PCV's?
Yes. PCMOs are responsible for distributing and filing any medication that is requested, provided it is approved.
Q3: Assuming that PCMO's do this, are there any reports or forms that the PCMO's need to fill out to request items from an upstream supplier?
The PCMOs have to fill out a Record of Medication Dispensed Form, this is for specially designated and controlled substances only. It is form TG240 for Peace Corps. This isn't required for most medication from the list attached - only medication that requires a Rx, including birth control. As far as I know PCMOs order medication through Admin at each post. From what I've seen there is a spreadsheet that Ghana PCMOs fill out to track who was given meds on what dates.
Q4: Do PCMO's have any current inventory system in place, or do they just look in a cabinet to see if they have what they need to send out?
In Ghana, they just eyeball it from the cabinet. Often times the PCMO has been out of my medication because they didn't know it was low or empty on their shelves. In Ghana, we also have two PCV Leaders. They manage two of our sub-offices. You can pick up your Rx and other medical supplies (from the list attached) at the office. The office is typically restocked each month with medical supplies from the attached list. The PCV Leader will fill out a form for the PCMOs (think it is something nonformal) requesting replenishment.
In Ghana, the PCV Leader goes down to the main office at the end of every month. Medication is always brought to the sub-offices. Whenever a Peace Corps car is headed north of the capital, they always bring edication that has been marked for the sub-offices and any PCV along the way. I believe there is some system that tracks when medication is picked up and moved to a different location. This system has worked pretty well for Ghana. I've never had any issues receiving medication within a timely manner. We also rely on our fellow PCVs passing through the capital to act as pack mules as well.
Q5: Any other descriptions of current process or field behaviour would be helpful.
TBD
Q6: Also, from Caitlin's project, what is "COSing"?
COS is close of service.