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Approaches and indicators for measuring quality in region VIII family planning programs

Yvonne M Hamby, MPH and Dela Kusi-Appouh, BA. JSI Research & Training Institute, 1748 Wynkoop Street, Suite 201, Denver, CO 80202, 303.262.4304, yhamby@jsi.com

Objective: The Regional Quality Indicators Project (RQIP) was developed by the Public Health Service Region VIII Title X Family Planning Training Center in conjunction with the Title X service grantees. The focus of the project was to enable family planning clinics to monitor and ultimately improve the quality of care they provide by implementing performance measurement and quality assurance systems.

Methods: Upon completion of the model, a responsive piloting plan was implemented. The performance measurements would include seven region-wide performance domains: (1) choice of methods; (2) information given to clients; (3) technical competence; (4) client-provider interaction; (5) mechanism to promote continuation of services; (6) appropriateness and acceptability of services; and(7) access. Additionally, three data collection instruments would be used to measure quality: (1) clinic surveys/facility audit; (2) medical records; and (3) client exit interviews.

It is important to note that the pilot phase was not an effort to compare the quality of services across grantees; rather, it was conducted to determine: (1) how specific indicators perform in different settings; (2) the need for one set of data collection tools across sites; and (3) to draw inferences regarding quality in those service delivery systems.

Results: Data were obtained and analyzed for 123 charts, using a sample of 5 clinics across 3 states. Data for client exit interviews were collected for 175 clients in 4 states, using a sample of 11 clinics. Clinics scored well for Choice of Method, Technical Competence and Access.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

Keywords: Quality of Care, Quality Assurance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Improving Reproductive Health Program Quality and Outcomes

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA