Enhancing Quality Improvement for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH): Insight at Remera Rukoma Hospital

Abstract

A comprehensive quality improvement (QI) training was conducted at Remera Rukoma District Hospital from March 11-15, 2024 targeting 21 key stakeholders, including hospital heads of departments and leaders from various high-risk service areas. Facilitated by national QI facilitators and a QI advisor in USAID Tubeho project, the program aimed to enhance healthcare quality by empowering professionals with knowledge and skills in QI methodologies. The training covered topics such as QI principles, patient safety, change management, and hospital accreditation, utilizing a participative approach with diverse teaching methods. The training resulted in significant improvements in participants' QI knowledge, with average test scores rising from 52.9% to 86.9%. Participants successfully identified quality gaps, developed aim statements, and designed QI projects for implementation. Hospital rounds revealed critical areas for improvement, particularly in maternity and neonatology departments. Key recommendations included fostering closer collaboration between USAID Tubeho staff and hospital personnel, reviewing and refining existing QI projects, and providing targeted support for new initiatives addressing identified gaps. This training represents a crucial step towards embedding a culture of continuous improvement in the healthcare system.