Institutionalization of quality assurance (QA) activities can be a powerful instrument of change in non-governmental organizations, as demonstrated in the Honduras Association for Family Planning (ASHONPLAFA). ASHONPLAFA strengthened its efforts in QA in 1996, when the Quality Assurance Project (QAP) was asked to assist in establishing and developing QA activities in the different service areas of ASHONPLAFA. ASHONPLAFA currently provides 60% of all family planning services in Honduras, a poor country with a population that is growing at 2.7% per year. ASHONPLAFA has undergone many efforts to institutionalize QA to provide the Honduran population with access to quality services.
ASHONPLAFA first envisioned a mission for the organization of providing high quality health care. This mission has guided the actions of the organization and inculcated organizational core values of quality for employees at all levels of ASHONPLAFA. ASHONPLAFA also defined a clear structure to oversee and coordinate QA activities through one central and six regional QA committees. The success of ASHONPLAFA’s QA program, however, is largely due to supportive leadership which has been instrumental in creating an organizational culture of quality.
ASHONPLAFA strives to provide quality services while working towards achieving self-sustainability. ASHONPLAFA has increased self-sustainability through diversifying and improving the quality of clinical services while also generating profits through the social marketing of contraceptives and supplies. QA councils will continue to be important methods of increasing efficiency, quality, and revenues toward the effort increasing self-sustainability.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Quality Assurance,
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.