Quality healthcare in extreme adversity: Developing a framework for action. (7th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leatherman, Sheila; Tawfik, Linda; Jaff, Dilshad; Jaworski, Grace; Neilson, Matthew; Letaief, Mondher; Syed, Shamsuzzoha Babar
• Is Part Of: International journal for quality in health care. Volume 32:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 149
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2020-01-07
• Subjects: quality of care -- extreme adversity -- fragile settings -- conflict -- humanitarian crises -- framework -- interventions; Medical care -- Quality control -- Periodicals; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzz131
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-4505

Abstract

Abstract: Quality issue : Improving quality of care has become a global health priority to improve health outcomes and strengthen health systems, particularly in the context of achieving universal health coverage. Initial assessment : The delivery of quality essential health services in settings of extreme adversity, such as fragile, conflict-affected, vulnerable or disaster contexts, has been identified as a high priority globally to address the massive level of need. Choice of solution : This paper provides an action framework to systematically address the quality of health services for state and non-state actors working in such settings. The framework is designed to be practical, comprehensible and simple in adoption and implementation. It describes challenges, a set of medical needs and population priorities, a menu of quality-related interventions, and a hierarchy of health system levels defining the roles and responsibilities of key actors. Conclusion: Optimizing the use of limited resources in delivering the best quality possible in 'the hardest of the hard settings' is imperative.