A qualitative study on the perceived barriers to accessing haemodialysis for patients with kidney failure (KF) in Northern Ghana: perspectives of healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND: Managing kidney failure (KF) often necessitates dialysis. In Ghana, there are considerable challenges in providing dialysis services due to limited and unevenly distributed resources. This study explored healthcare providers' perspectives on the challenges of caring for patients with KF in northern Ghana.

METHOD: This study was conducted in three major hospitals in northern Ghana. A qualitative research approach was used to explore the experiences of healthcare providers. The participants were selected using purposive sampling, and the interviews were conducted via telephone.

RESULTS: Access to dialysis in northern Ghana faces multiple challenges. These include a shortage of nephrology specialists, limited dialysis centers, the high cost of dialysis, and the geographical location of treatment centers. Additionally, healthcare providers experience emotional and psychological stress due to their inability to deliver adequate care under such constraints.

CONCLUSION: Policy reforms are needed to ensure equitable access to dialysis services across all regions. Recommendations include increasing dialysis centers, expanding the health care workforce, particularly nephrologists and dialysis nurses, and integrating dialysis services into national health insurance coverage. Policymakers should address these gaps, strengthen healthcare delivery, and improve outcomes for patients with kidney failure in northern Ghana.