Implementing Quality Improvement Initiatives to Improve the Use of Adolescent- and Youth-Friendly Health Services in Zou, Benin

Abstract

To assess the quality of adolescent-and youthfriendly health services (AYFHS) at 65 service delivery points in Zou, Benin, a 15-item quality assessment (QA) checklist was implemented to measure adherence to AYFHS standards. n Quality improvement initiatives and supportive supervision were implemented to address service delivery, contraceptive availability, and provider bias and proved to be effective mechanisms in boosting the quality of AYFHS after the first QA cycle and the use of contraceptive services.n Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that occurred between the second and third QA cycles as well as internal factors, many service delivery points regressed in scores.

The Challenge Initiative: Lessons on Rapid Scale-Up of Family Planning and Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

“…Two articles, Akila et al 27 and Avoce et al, 28 highlight mechanisms for improving AY-friendly services by engaging with existing FP entities, inclusive of existing planning and management units as well as health facilities, through supportive supervision, quality assessment, and consequent quality improvement processes. Akila et al explain how supportive supervision and a cost-effective program monitoring tool can be harnessed to ensure compliance with essential guidelines for AY-friendly services, which include community engagement and demand generation activities.…”

“…Two articles, Akila et al 27 and Avoce et al, 28 highlight mechanisms for improving AY-friendly services by engaging with existing FP entities, inclusive of existing planning and management units as well as health facilities, through supportive supervision, quality assessment, and consequent quality improvement processes. Akila…”