FRONTIERS Projects | Testing a Three-phase Counseling Algorithm with Related Job Aids and Supervision to Improve the Quality of Family Planning Care in Health Centers and Posts of the Guatemalan Ministry of Health (MOH) and Social Assistance

FRONTIERS PROJECT
Using an Algorithm to Improve Family Planning Counseling at Rural Clinics

FRONTIERS collaborated with the MOH and Social Assistance (MSPAS) in this study (formally titled "Testing a Three-phase Counseling Algorithm with Related Job Aids and Supervision to Improve the Quality of Family Planning Care in Health Centers and Posts of the Guatemalan Ministry of Health and Social Assistance") which tested the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of using an algorithm (a series of sequenced decisions) assisted by job aids such as cards and pamphlets on available methods to improve the quality of family planning counseling at rural public clinics. Personnel from 40 facilities were trained to use improved counseling model and related job aids. Almost three-quarters of the trained providers used the algorithm and job aids with simulated clients and quality of care increased significantly. The MOH is scaling up the counseling model nationally (see project description "Scaling Up a Successful Counseling Model")

Location

Guatemala

Duration

June 2001–November 2002

Population Council researchers

Carlos Brambila, Federico León

Non-Council collaborator

Guatemala Ministry of Health (MOH) and Social Assistance (MSPAS)

Donor

US Agency for International Development

Publications/Resources
Council researchers' names appear in boldface type.

2003
León, Federico R., Carlos Brambila, Marisela de la Cruz, John H. Bratt, Julio García Colindres, Benedicto Vásquez, and Carlos Morales. "Testing balanced counseling to improve provider-client interaction in Guatemala's MOH clinics," FRONTIERS Final Report. Washington, DC: Population Council. (PDF, 1.3 MB)

León, Federico R., Alex Ríos, Adriana Zumarán, Marisela de la Cruz, Carlos Brambila, and John H. Bratt. "Enhancing quality for clients: The balanced counseling strategy," FRONTIERS Program Brief no. 3. Washington, DC: Population Council. (full text)