Browsing by Author "Stuart GS"

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    Evaluation of service quality in family planning clinics in Lusaka, Zambia.
    (2015-Oct) Hancock NL; Vwalika B; Sitali ES; Mbwili-Muleya C; Chi BH; Stuart GS; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, PO Box 34681, 5032 Great North Road, Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Teaching Hospital, PO Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3009 Old Clinic Building, Campus Box 7577, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-7577.; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3009 Old Clinic Building, Campus Box 7577, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-7577; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, PO Box 34681, 5032 Great North Road, Lusaka, Zambia. Electronic address: nancylhancock@gmail.com.; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 3009 Old Clinic Building, Campus Box 7577, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-7577; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, PO Box 34681, 5032 Great North Road, Lusaka, Zambia.; Lusaka District Community Health Office, Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, PO Box 50827, Lusaka, Zambia.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the quality of contraceptive services in family planning clinics in Lusaka, Zambia, using a standardized approach. STUDY DESIGN: We utilized the Quick Investigation of Quality, a cross-sectional survey tool consisting of a facility assessment, client-provider observation and client exit interview, in public-sector family planning clinics. Data were collected on availability of seven contraceptive methods, information given to clients, interpersonal relations between providers and clients, providers' technical competence and mechanisms for continuity and follow-up. RESULTS: Data were collected from five client-provider observations and client exit interviews in each of six public-sector family planning clinics. All clinics had at least two contraceptive methods continuously available for the preceding 6 months. Most providers asked clients about concerns with their contraceptive method (80%) and told clients when to return to the clinic (87%). Most clients reported that the provider advised what to do if a problem develops (93%), described possible side effects (89%), explained how to use the method effectively (85%) and told them when to come for follow-up (83%). Clients were satisfied with services received (93%). CONCLUSION(S): This application of the Quick Investigation of Quality showed that the participating family planning clinics in Lusaka, Zambia, were prepared to offer high-quality services with the available commodities and that clients were satisfied with the received services. Despite the subjective client satisfaction, quality improvement efforts are needed to increase contraceptive availability. IMPLICATIONS: Although clients perceived the quality of care received to be high, family planning service quality could be improved to continuously offer the full spectrum of contraceptive options. The Quick Investigation of Quality was easily implemented in Lusaka, Zambia, and this simple approach could be utilized in a variety of settings as a modality for quality improvement.
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    Renewing focus on family planning service quality globally.
    (2016) Hancock NL; Stuart GS; Tang JH; Chibwesha CJ; Stringer JSA; Chi BH; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, PO Box 34681, 5032 Great North Road, Lusaka, Zambia.; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Campus Box 7577, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7577 USA.; UNC Project-Malawi, Tidziwe Centre, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi.; CIDRZ; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
    Reducing the global unmet need for contraception is currently a priority for many governments, multi-lateral initiatives, non-governmental organizations, and donors. Evidence strongly suggests that the provision of quality family planning services can increase uptake, prevalence, and continuation of contraception. While an accepted framework to define the components of family planning service quality exists, translating this framework into assessment tools that are accessible, easily utilized, and valid for service providers has remained a challenge. We propose new approaches to improve the standardization and accessibility of family planning service quality assessment tools to simplify family planning service quality evaluation. With easier approaches to program evaluation, quality improvements can be performed more swiftly to help increase uptake and continuation of contraception to improve the health of women and their families.