5237.0: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 4:42 PM

Abstract #26658

Computerized monitoring as a tool for quality assurance in Uganda: DISH Project experience

Goeffrey Olupot1, Vincent David, MD, MPH2, Charles Katende2, and Souleymane Burry2. (1) DISH II Project, Management Sciences for Health, PO Box 3495, Kampala, Uganda, 256-041-344075, development@msh.org, (2) DISH II Project

Service statistics from the DISH Project’s 12 districts document declines in reproductive health indicators in both the public and non-governmental sectors between the first quarter of 1998 and the third quarter of 2000. Institutional deliveries, for example, declined by 4%; new ANC visits by 10%; and couple years of family planning protection by 14%.

To identify and analyze reasons for these declines, service statistics were collected from 80 randomly selected DISH sentinel sites. Data were also collected from selected referral hospitals, one non-DISH supported district, and from a variety of sources in the private sector.

From a 1997 sample of 2,150 acceptors, 39% obtained family planning methods from public facilities, 31% from private for-profit sources, and the remainder from non-governmental organizations, pharmacies, and other sources. By 1999, the proportion using public sources declined to 34%, while private, for-profit sources increased to 35%. Twenty-two percent of family planning clients, 31% of ANC clients, and 12% of STD clients reported switching from government to private for-profit sources. Reasons for switching included less waiting time (40%), good services (30%), and others such as drug availability, credit facilities, and provider behavior (30%).

This presentation will explain how shifts from public to private family planning sources affect service statistics. It will also explore possible reasons for such shifts within one developing country program.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will: 1) Understand how shifts from public to private family planning sources affect service statistics 2) Understand possible reasons for such shifts within one developing country program.

Keywords: Quality Assurance, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: DISH II Project
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA