A focused approach to quality of care assessment in family planning

An approach to quality of care assessment for family planning based on management-by-objectives has been tested in 18 clinics. Key indicator standards were developed by the family planning agencies themselves and objective survey instruments designed to measure performance against the standards. Results were made available quickly to each clinic and led to operational changes in the majority, with evidence of improved performance and willingness to use evaluation of care as a means for clinic management. Analyses of the aggregated data showed wide variations in performance over several indices of care.