Evaluation of an intervention to enhance the quality of antenatal care in the preventive health sector, through implementation of the total quality management strategy at a selected medical officer of health division

Abstract

This study aims at assessing the evidence base in an implementation of the 5S and Total quality management strategy (5S-TQM) within antenatal care setting at Piliyandala Medical Officer of Health division. The study is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka to be conducted within a preventative health care framework in assessing the impact of a 5S-TQM intervention to enhance the Quality of antenatal care. The study population comprised of all mothers and health care workers attending antenatal care clinics (n=ll) in the selected Piliyandala Medical Officer of Health division. The clinics were also assessed under the 5 S- TQ M assessment checklists. The base line assessment revealed relatively low knowledge and attitude in health care workers in some aspects of antenatal care provision. However, the knowledge and attitudes showed significant improvement post-intervention. The intervention tools developed in this study may be useful in assessing the status and improving the quality of antenatal care for the other areas in Sri Lanka .