Coproducing Quality and Safety Improvement Projects in Resource-Constrained Countries: Lessons From Mozambique

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Mozambique faces significant resource constraints, including low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a dispersed population, impacting healthcare quality and patient safety.
• Limited human and physical resources in the health service pose challenges to delivering high-quality care and ensuring positive patient experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a quality and safety improvement project in Mozambican hospitals.
• To identify key lessons for implementing sustainable healthcare interventions in resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• A "before and after" study design was employed.
• The assessment utilized both qualitative and quantitative review methods.
• Case studies were used to illustrate project outcomes.

Main Results:

• The project demonstrated success in improving patient outcomes, notably reducing maternal mortality.
• Four case studies highlighted the positive impact of the quality improvement initiative.
• Key lessons emphasize the need for co-production of solutions between aid agencies and local Ministry of Health (MoH) and clinical teams.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing patient outcomes is achievable even with resource constraints in Mozambican hospitals.
• Collaborative partnerships between external agencies and local healthcare providers are crucial for success.
• Interventions must be financially light and designed for sustainability to ensure long-term impact after program completion.