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Table 1 The six quality dimensions and respective assessment tools

From: Embedding systematic quality assessments in supportive supervision at primary healthcare level: application of an electronic Tool to Improve Quality of Healthcare in Tanzania

Sub-tool

Quality dimension

Central question

Assessment tool

Main focus

1

Physical environment and equipment

Do health facilities have sufficient resources and provide a supportive environment to enable providers to fulfill the job expectations that are placed on them?

Checklist

Cleanliness of health facility; availability of equipment and supply; implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC); basic infrastructure of health facility

2

Job expectations

Do providers know what is expected from them in terms of service delivery?

Structured interview and checklist

Knowledge of services provided at the health facility; availability of and knowledge about job descriptions; availability of treatment algorithms and guidelines

3

Professional knowledge and skills

Do health providers have sufficient knowledge and skills to fulfill job expectations?

Direct observation checklist

Adherence to principles of clinical history, physical examination and IPC; management of children under 5 years of age (IMCI), pregnant women, fever patients above 5 years of age and HIV/TB suspects or patients

4

Management and administration of the facility

Do health facilities have a sound management system that provides supportive supervision and feedback to providers and the community?

Checklist

Staffing level; availability of medicines, general patient information, IEC materials and functioning referral system; implementation of record keeping, reporting, mandatory meetings and supervision visits

5

Staff motivation

Are providers motivated to fulfill job expectations?

Structured interview

Participation at trainings and in-house education sessions; implementation of training follow up supervision; timeliness of salary; implementation of promotion scheme; availability of statutory employment benefits

6

Client satisfaction

Are community expectations of health service performance met?

Structured exit-interview

Provision of privacy and courtesy during consultancy, explanations, advice, opportunity to express state of health and ask question