Table 2 Profile and characteristic protocols and practice guidelines on reproductive and child health in Ghana

1

Ghana Health Service, 2000 [62]

National Family Planning Protocols

Ghana Health Service (GHS), Accra

Aims at providing a strategic guide to information on family planning methods in Ghana

No empirical evidence was cited in the document

Document was based on expert views and standards of operating procedure by professionals

2

Ghana Health Service, 2008 [63]

National Safe Motherhood Service Protocol

GHS, Accra

Ministry of Health (MOH), Accra

Provides a guideline for treating and managing pregnancy-related complications common to caregivers at all levels

No empirical evidence was cited in the document

Based on the views and standard operating procedure by experts in the field

3

Ghana Health Service, 2007 [64]

Adolescent Health Info Pack

GHS, Accra

UNFPA

UKaid

Focuses on the growing changes of adolescent (biological and social changes) Provides a guide on the risky sexual behaviours at the adolescent stage

No publication cited in the document

Developed from expert views and role play by adolescents to depict growing changes in the adolescent stage

4

Ministry of Health, 2011 [65]

What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know

MOH, Ghana

Provides information on the expectation of every pregnant woman based on the stages of pregnancy

No empirical evidence cited in the document

Based on the views and professional experiences of experts

5

UNFPA, 2014 [66]

Living with Fistula

UNFPA

Explore the views and lives of fistula survivors

No publication was cited in the document

Collection based on survivors’ views, experiences and funding partners support to survivors

6

Ministry of Health, 2010 [67]

Concise Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness

MOH, Accra

Provides a strategy for managing childhood diseases and a guide for preventing cause of death

No publication was cited in the document

Based on expert clinical opinion and expert survey in the field of neonatal and child health

7

Ghana Health Service, 2010 [68]

Maternal Health & Death Audit Guidelines

GHS, Accra

Aims at providing a framework for improving maternal health quality and a tool for monitoring maternal deaths in Ghana

No empirical evidence was cited; however, an institutional policy document was cited

Employed a household survey method with expert views and a review of relevant policy documents

8

Ghana Statistical Service, 2007 [69]

Ghana Maternal Health Survey

GHS, GSS

Inc. Macro

Provides empirical evidence on the incidence of maternal mortality. Establishes the prevalence of abortion in Ghana and provides guidelines on antenatal care attendance in Ghana

Empirical scientific evidence was cited in the document

Developed based on a household survey, review of relevant policy document and stakeholder involvement in the preparation of this document

9

Ghana Health Service [70]

Ghana Health Service Newsletter for Adolescent and Young People

GHS, Accra

Focuses on providing adolescent with information on adolescence-related challenges

No scientific evidence was established in the preparation of this document

Developed based on view of adolescent and stakeholder consultation

10

Ministry of Health, 2014 [68]

Guideline for Case Management of Malaria in Ghana

MOH, Accra

This policy is focused on providing guidelines for malaria case management in Ghana

No empirical evidence is cited in document preparation

Produced through expert views and professional knowledge on the management of malaria in Ghana

11

Ministry of Health, 2015 [71]

National Policy and Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in Health Care Settings

MOH, Ghana

Lays down policies and broad guidelines required for the practice of a nationally acceptable standard of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings

Document cites several scientific research papers and laws of Ghana as well as reports from key international organisations

Through a consultative approach, including several government and non-governmental organisations and individuals

12

Ghana Health Service, 2014 [72]

National Reproductive Health Service Policy and Standards, 3rd Edition

GHS, Accra

Provides explicit directions and focus for streamlining the training and service provision of reproductive health in addition to programmes that make reproductive health accessible and affordable

No scientific research paper was cited; however, relevant laws in Ghana related to abortion and crime were also cited

A consultative approach including government agencies, regulatory bodies, development partners, NGOs and other champions working in the area of reproductive health

13

Ghana Health Service, 2012 [73]

Prevention and Management of Unsafe Abortion: Comprehensive Abortion Care and Services Standards & Protocols

GHS, Accra

Provision of critical guide for the prevention and management of unsafe abortion

Document cite several scientific research papers as well as documents from other key research organisations

Prepared jointly, and in different stages, by the GHS/MOH and several institutions, individuals and communities

14

World Health Organization, 2010 [74]

Adolescent Job Aid: A Handy Desk Reference Tool for Primary Level Health Workers

WHO

It contains guidance on commonly occurring adolescent-specific or non-adolescent-specific problems or concerns that have not been addressed in existing WHO guidelines, conditions in adolescents

No scientific research evidence was cited in the document

Evidence-based approach together with extensive consultation and country level testing for further evidence was used in developing the document

15

Ministry of Health, 2010 [75]

Malaria in Pregnancy. Training for Providers

MOH, Accra

USAID, WHO, GLOBAL FUND

Provides strategic guide to health providers for malaria treatment in Ghana

No publication was cited

Prepared through role play, case studies and expert views