APPRAISING QUALITY IMPROVEMENT APPROACHES IN CONTRACEPTIVE HEALTH SERVICES IN THE PRIVATE HEALTH SECTOR IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

This desk review aimed to assess the existing quality improvement (QI)
mechanisms for contraceptive health services in the private health sector in
Karachi, Pakistan. The study was organized into three themes, and eight
research questions were developed to guide the review. The study adopted a
qualitative research design that integrated a desk review approach. The Bruce?Jain Framework and Anderson Behavioral Model were used as analytical
frameworks for the review. The study employed the Population, Intervention,
Comparator, Outcomes, and Study Design (PICOS) approach to formulating the
research questions and eligibility criteria. The critical Appraisal Skills
Programme (CASP) tool for appraising the strengths and limitations of
qualitative research methodology was applied in this study. The number of
chosen reports was thirty-one that fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were
included in the study. The study revealed that quality improvement (QI)
mechanisms, such as web-based monitoring, targeted training, and supportive
supervision of profit-making healthcare providers, incentivize private-sector
with rewards. Integrating QI approaches, including regular supervision, are
crucial for achieving measurable outcomes. The review provides insights into
existing quality improvement (QI) mechanisms for contraceptive health services
in Karachi’s private health sector, indicating that regular supportive supervision
can incentivize compliance with quality standards. Integrating QI approaches is
crucial for measurable quality improvement. The study offers valuable
perspectives on policy and practice aimed at improving the quality of
contraceptive health services within the private sector.