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Indicators and the measurement of STD case management in developing countries. STD PI6&7 Working Group
T J Saidel1, B Vuylsteke, R Steen
1AIDS Control and Prevention Project, Family Health International, Arlington, Virginia, USA.
AIDS (London, England)
|October 29, 1998
Summary
This study evaluates methods for assessing sexually transmitted disease (STD) case management quality. Alternative approaches are feasible in resource-limited settings, offering vital data for program improvement.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Effective case management is crucial for controlling sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
- Facility-based assessments are key to evaluating healthcare quality.
- Resource-limited settings face unique challenges in quality assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and assess methodologies for measuring the quality of STD case management.
- To identify feasible alternatives to traditional provider-focused assessments in resource-poor environments.
Main Methods:
- Review of established methodologies like provider observations and interviews (WHO Global Programme on AIDS).
- Exploration of alternative methods: patient exit interviews, mystery patients, record review, and patient encounter forms with supervisory visits.
Main Results:
- Traditional methods (provider observation/interviews) are compared with alternative approaches.
- Alternative methods demonstrate feasibility in resource-limited settings.
- These alternative approaches yield crucial data for program evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Alternative methods for assessing STD case management quality are viable in resource-constrained areas.
- These methods provide essential data for ongoing program development and evaluation.
- The findings support the adaptation of quality assessment tools in diverse healthcare settings.