Recorded presentation

Claudia Patricia Velasquez, MPH, Rebecka Inga Lundgren, MPH, and Maura Gaughan-Chaplain, MA. Georgetown University School of Medicine, Institute for Reproductive Health, 4301 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20008, 202-687-1392, cv38@georgetown.edu

Programs recognize that maintaining and improving provider competency is essential for quality of care; yet resource constraints, differing provider abilities and frequent turnover pose significant challenges to performance improvement. Case studies of introduction of the Standard Days Method in Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and India used a supervision tool to assess provider competence and offer immediate, individualized feedback and support during regular monitoring visits. The tool consists of a series of questions and role-plays designed to assess and reinforce provider competence.

Although literature suggests that provider knowledge typically decreases over time, in these studies provider knowledge improved by 20% between follow-up visits conducted three and twelve months after training.

Provider scores recorded on the tool were analyzed in Excel spreadsheets to monitor effectiveness of service delivery and training strategies. For example, supervisors found that although community providers scored lower than clinicians initially, their competency was almost equal at the second follow-up. Data also showed that while clinical providers were more proficient in evaluating and screening new family planning clients than community providers (85% vs. 57% competency); community health workers performed better addressing issues related to gender and sexuality, such as STI screening. Programs used this information to target supervision and training efforts. Qualitative data showed that supervisors found the tool helpful and easy to use.

Implications of expanded use of the tool as a cost-effective strategy to maintain and improve provider knowledge in a range of reproductive health programs will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the session participants will be able to

(1)describe use of a supervision tool for providers, (
• identify different uses for the tool, and (
• identify programmatic implications for improving competency.

Keywords: Competency, Quality of Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation