Evaluation of the Sexually Transmitted Infection Quality Performance Measurement Project

Abstract

STIQUAL model is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) services quality improvement (QI) model initiated in 2009 under the “STI quality performance measurement” project. It was an effort to strengthen the quality of STI screening care and treatment, data and information system and enhance the access to STI and HIV care of key populations. STIQUAL program, the tool for performance measurement (PM) was developed in 2009-2010 and piloted in some selected provinces in 2011-2112. The objec-tive of this study was to evaluate the project for 4 categories: (1) the capacity of the tool in measuring STI performances; (2) the PM resulted in STI service QI; (3) increasing knowledge, skill, satisfaction of health personnel, and (4) factors supporting the QI. It was conducted as a descriptive study during August- December 2015. Data on key indicators were gathered from STIQUAL program during 2009-2012 and STI/VCT mini record program during 2013-2014, which were collected 3 times at least 1 year interval. Questionnaires survey, in-depth interview and focus group on knowledge, skill satisfaction and supporting factors on related issues were used to evaluate health personnel in 20 targeted provinces. It was found that the assessment of performance measurement using STIQUAL program was reliable, leading to significant QI in both STI screening and STI care services. Innovated tools such as STI/VCT mini record program helped both improving and measuring STI performance. Health personnel gained knowledge, skills and were satisfied with the tool. Factors supporting the QI were capacity building such as training on necessary curriculum and lessons learned, availability of QI tools and the development target setting. In conclusion, STI quality performance measurement had led to performance evaluation and quality improve-ment of STI services. Results of the evaluation would be useful to improve the design and scaling up of the STI quality performance measurement.