This document discusses lessons learned from the Philippines Sentrong Sigla (SS) quality improvement certification program. Some key lessons include:
1) SS provided a successful model for a national government to influence local health facilities' quality through a voluntary certification program based on national standards.
2) Political support at both the national and local levels is critical for success, as is developing standards through extensive consultation.
3) Linking the certification program to broader health sector reforms enhances its value and sustainability.
This document discusses lessons learned from the Philippines Sentrong Sigla (SS) quality improvement certification program. Some key lessons include:
1) SS provided a successful model for a national government to influence local health facilities' quality through a voluntary certification program based on national standards.
2) Political support at both the national and local levels is critical for success, as is developing standards through extensive consultation.
3) Linking the certification program to broader health sector reforms enhances its value and sustainability.
This document discusses lessons learned from the Philippines Sentrong Sigla (SS) quality improvement certification program. Some key lessons include:
1) SS provided a successful model for a national government to influence local health facilities' quality through a voluntary certification program based on national standards.
2) Political support at both the national and local levels is critical for success, as is developing standards through extensive consultation.
3) Linking the certification program to broader health sector reforms enhances its value and sustainability.
Lessons Learned from a National Certification Program
Philippines Sentrong Sigla
Movement Introduction Definition
SS is a quality improvement initiative through a
certification/recognition program. Health facilities are certified based on a set of standards SS also promotes continuous quality improvement as a complementing strategy Introduction Steps in the Certification Process Philippines Department of Health (DOH) provides copies of quality standards to local government units (LGUs) LGU facility conducts self assessment Mayor/Governor sends letter of intent to participate DOH SS teams conducts assessment LGU facility gets certified, receives SS seal Certified facility gets monitored twice a year and tries to strive for higher level standards Lessons Learned Interest in QI is universal but a supportive environment is needed to make it happen
Everyone likes the idea of QI
SS provided simple, practical steps to improve quality of health services SS provided motivation through certification Lessons Learned SS became a successful model of how a national government can influence local behavior under devolution
Getting LGUs to comply with national
standards and policies: major challenge LGUs resent heavy-handed approach SS respects local interest and priorities without compromising standards of quality Lessons Learned Political support is a critical success factor
Applies both at the national and local level
Program should have a political value and appeal Lessons Learned Champions for quality in health care come from many sectors
community influentials championed the cause for SS Multisectoral interest interest and support prodded health workers to take action Lessons Learned Development of standards required extensive consultations
Consensus building through consultation
Bridging gap or balancing between technical requirements and realities in the field: providers perspective and clients perspective Lessons Learned Progressive standards are needed to sustain interest in SS certification and to provide guidance to LGU facilities
improvement work Demoralize facilities not given cash incentives in spite of being certified Not sustainable Lessons Learned Credibility of certification depends on quality of assessment
Assessment should be accurate
Develop further skills of assessors Lessons Learned Minimal involvement of private sector reduced program impact
Enhance credibility of certification program if
private sector is involved Lessons Learned Link with Philippine Health Sector Reform (HSR) enhances value and sustainability of SS
Interface with Philippines HSR initiatives
Adopted by Philippine Health Insurance Corporation: SS certified facilities are eligible to be reimbursed for selected primary health care services Integrate with HSR