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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Sara Sulzbach, MPH, PSP-One, Abt Associates, Inc, 4800 Montgomery Lane Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814, 3013475668, sara_sulzbach@abtassoc.com and Taara Chandani, PSP-One, Banyan Global, 4800 Montgomery Lane Suite 600, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Private provider networks have the potential to expand the supply of reproductive health (RH) and family planning (FP) services, and are increasingly being considered as a way to contribute to public health objectives in developing countries. Networks are an affiliation of health service providers grouped together under an umbrella structure or organization. There is limited evidence to date on the factors that contribute to the long-term viability of a network. This paper identifies three types of networks: not-for-profit networks, social franchises and commercial networks, and 1) assesses whether and how each type achieves viability, 2) draws lessons on factors contributing to viability, and 3) examines the extent to which viability goals conflict with the delivery of RH/FP services. The methodology consisted of a literature review of publications and materials on over 50 networks, followed by in-depth interviews with 23 networks. Networks were assessed according to an analytic framework examining the following key elements of sustainability: · Policy environment · Mission · Institutional capacity · Sources of financing · Revenue and expenses · Marketing strategies · Quality assurance. Key factors contributing to network viability include a conducive policy environment, a keen understanding of consumer and provider markets and ability to respond to changing conditions, an ability to diversity financing sources as well as services and products, and a cost-effective approach to assuring quality. Lessons from both commercial and donor-supported networks can be cross-fertilized to improve their respective practices, recognizing that trade-offs may exist between serving the poor, offering RH/FP services, and making a profit.

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

• Define three types of private provider networks
• Identify key factors that contribute to network viability
• Articulate the strengths and weaknesses of commercial and donor-supported networks

Keywords: Management and Sustainability, International Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation