1.             Purpose of consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a situation analysis for chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) in Jordan. To establish a comprehensive overview of the current status for CRDs, highlighting the existing opportunities and challenges, and identifying gaps and their root causes. Hence, inform the health system response to CRDs prevention and control with focus on primary care level.

2.             Background  

Chronic respiratory diseases are among the major noncommunicable diseases, and comprise a group of disorders, most commonly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Several risk factors to CRD exist primarily tobacco smoke, air pollution, occupational chemicals and dusts, and frequent lower respiratory infections during childhood. CRDs are not curable; however, various forms of treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life for people living with these conditions. 

In Jordan, CRDs are prevalent. In response the MOH is moving toward establishing a national CRD program to strengthen integration of its services at primary health care to fulfil public needs for prevention and control.

The recommendations from this consultancy shall guide a roadmap to strengthen response to CRD.

3.             Work to be performed.

The work performed by the consultant should fulfil the following objectives:

A. Identify the burden of chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) in Jordan, specifically asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).

B. Describe the response of the health care systems to asthma and COPD, identify gaps and their root causes in prevention and control of CRD and provide recommendations to inform a roadmap to strengthen system response to CRD.

Output 1: Perform a comprehensive situation analysis for chronic respiratory diseases in Jordan through performing the following:

1.1 Desk review: undertake a systematic comprehensive literature review of published/unpublished research, policies, documents, epidemiological and economic reports.

1.2 Interviews: Interview key stakeholders across sectors, which involves developing interview guides/questionnaires to collect data qualitatively and quantitatively to fulfil the following:

·            Describe the epidemiological and economic burden of chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) in Jordan.

·            Identify the main risk factors that contribute to CRD in both health and non-health sectors.

·            Provide updated information about existing preventive measures in health and non-health sectors.

·            Describe the existing governance and financing for CRDs.

·            List the existing clinical protocols for the management of CRDs and modes of assessing patient control.

·            Describe the workforce; the number of health workforce (such as specialized pulmonologists, pulmonary clinics, occupational health clinics, respiratory technicians, primary health care providers e.g. physicians, nurses and pharmacists) across sectors (MOH, RMS, University and private) and their distribution by governorates.

·            Describe service delivery components for CRDs at PHC and referral pathways.

·            Describe the availability of diagnostic technology (spirometer), medications and devices (including inhaled corticosteroids and spacers for all age groups) at MOH and their distribution across primary health care centers and hospitals nationwide.

·            Explore the existing health information systems deployed to monitor CRD at PHC.

·            Highlight the main challenges and gaps to care for CRDs across different sectors and propose interventions to close these gaps and to strengthen the prevention and control of CRDs.

Deliverable 1.1: Develop an initial report detailing the background information and methodology including literature search criteria, data collection tools and target informants etc.

Deliverable 1.2: Submit first draft report

Deliverable 1.3: Submit final report (Executive summary in English and Arabic, methods, findings and recommendations for each item mentioned in the “work to be done” section). Additionally, the report must include annexes with all interviews, data collection tools, existing policies/protocols etc.

Deliverable 1.4: Develop a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the main findings from report.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Master’s degree in public health (MPH) or equivalent.

Desirable: Medical background

Experience:

Essential:

·         At least 7-year experience in conducting situation analysis of noncommunicable diseases and similar conditions.

·         Good knowledge of chronic respiratory diseases; prevention and management.

·         Familiarity with the Jordanian healthcare system.

Skills/Technical skills and knowledge:

·      Robust skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis.

·      Familiarity with the Jordanian healthcare system.

Languages and level required:
Expert level in English and Arabic