Assessment of the quality of IMCI implementation in four districts in Zimababwe
Date
2010-03-15T08:42:43Z
Authors
Habimana, Phanuel
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Abstract
The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy was introduced in
Zimbabwe in 1996 to integrate vertical child health care programmes. It has since
expanded to cover over 300 first level health facilities out of 897 in 23 districts out of a
total of 59 districts in the country. This survey was conducted to measure the quality of
care delivered to sick children aged 2 months up to 5 years at first level health facilities
implementing IMCI.
The management of sick children was observed for 226 children aged 2 months up to 5
years who were brought to primary level health facilities. 226 interviews with child
caretakers were conducted, all children included in the survey were re-examined by an
experienced IMCI practitioner to ascertain the classification (diagnosis) of child’s illness
and the appropriate treatment needed. Finally facilities, services and supplies were
assessed in the 35 facilities visited. Seventy one percent of cases were children under 2
years old. The majority of caretakers (88%) were mothers of the sick children.
All children were systematically checked for the four main symptoms, 80% of children
were checked for general danger signs. About 70% of cases classified as having
pneumonia received correct treatment for pneumonia. Almost 50% of cases observed
received correct treatment for malaria. Half of the children observed (50%) received
their 1st dose at the facility. Just less than half (48%) of the children who needed
vaccines left the health facilities with all the needed vaccines.
Eighty five percent of caretakers were advised on drug treatment. As a result of the
advice received, almost two third (65%) of the caretakers who had been prescribed an
antibiotic/antimalarial were able to correctly describe how to give the antibiotic to the
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child. The large majority of caretakers (78%) were satisfied with the health services
provided. Over half (54%) of facilities visited had at least 60% of health workers trained
in IMCI; 88% of children were managed by health workers who had been trained in
IMCI. Drugs were available with the exception with oral rehydration salts (ORS) or sugar
salt solution (SSS). Most facilities had supplies and equipment for vaccination, and most
had other basic supplies and materials; IMCI chart booklets were found in 91% of
facilities. Health facilities which received at least one supervisory visit that included
observation of -case management in the last 6 months was only 11% indicating that
supervision is not carried out on a regular basis.
The management of sick children seen by providers trained in IMCI followed a
systematic approach in most cases but there is room for further improvement. Drugs were
used rationally. Key supportive elements of the health system were in place in the
facilities visited with the exception of regular supervision. However only 38% needing
urgent referral were identified and prescribed urgent referral. Weaknesses were also
observed in the management of diarrhea, fever and in counseling the caretaker. Only 15%
of caretakers were given or shown the mothers card as a job aid and only 23% of
caretakers were told on when to return immediately. The IMCI strategy has the potential
to act as a powerful channel to improve the quality of services. As the survey was unable
to determine reasons for poor performance observed, further research is required to
investigate the factors leading to poor health worker performance.
Description
MPH, Faculty of Haelth Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2009
Keywords
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, child health care, Zimbabwe