Fundamental elements of the quality of care: a simple framework.
This article argues for attention to a neglected dimension of family planning services--their quality. A framework for assessing quality from the client's perspective is offered, consisting of six parts (choice of methods, information given to clients, technical competence, interpersonal relations, follow-up and continuity mechanisms, and the appropriate constellation of services). The literature is reviewed regarding evidence that improvements in these various dimensions of care result in gains at the individual level; an even scarcer body of literature is reviewed for evidence of gains at the level of program efficiency and impact. A concluding section discusses how to make practical use of the framework and distinguishes three vantage points from which to view quality: the structure of the program, the service-giving process itself, and the outcome of care, particularly with respect to individual knowledge, behavior, and satisfaction with services.
Bruce
J
J
D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011786:Quality Control; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D013997:Time Factors