The objective of this study was to determine whether targeted clinic self-assessment exercises are an effective means of reducing waiting times and improving clinic policies that can adversely impact client access. We randomly allocated ten high volume family planning clinics in 2 regions of Zambia to either intervention or control status. In the five intervention clinics, midwives trained in the COPE methodology conducted targeted clinic self-assessments aimed at reducing client waiting times and changing clinic policies related to the re-supply of contraception. We conducted client flow analyses and interviewed clinic supervisors at baseline and again at follow-up four months later. We present our study findings and discuss the implications for COPE and other problem-solving exercises.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the learner will be able to: describe the importance of expedited re-supply to quality family planning services, and describe how self-assessment exercises can improve waiting times and change related policies
Keywords: Family Planning, Access
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.