Scribd
Upload
110 views13 pages

Philippines Sentrong Sigla Movement

This document discusses lessons learned from the Philippines Sentrong Sigla (SS) quality improvement certification program. Some key points: 1) SS is a national certification program that sets quality standards for health facilities and provides certification based on conducting self-assessments and external evaluations. 2) SS was successful in motivating local governments to improve quality under a decentralized health system by providing a practical, step-by-step process and recognition for certification. 3) Political support, multisectoral buy-in from different stakeholders, and linking the program to larger health reforms were important factors in its success and sustainability.

Uploaded by

fitnessbop
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
110 views13 pages

Philippines Sentrong Sigla Movement

This document discusses lessons learned from the Philippines Sentrong Sigla (SS) quality improvement certification program. Some key points: 1) SS is a national certification program that sets quality standards for health facilities and provides certification based on conducting self-assessments and external evaluations. 2) SS was successful in motivating local governments to improve quality under a decentralized health system by providing a practical, step-by-step process and recognition for certification. 3) Political support, multisectoral buy-in from different stakeholders, and linking the program to larger health reforms were important factors in its success and sustainability.

Uploaded by

fitnessbop
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 13

Improving the Quality of Health Services in a

Decentralized Health System:


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

– Politicians, planners, private sector representatives,


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:
provider’s perspective and client’s perspective
Lessons Learned
• Progressive standards are needed to sustain
interest in SS certification and to provide
guidance to LGU facilities

– Experience with Baby Friendly Initiative


– CQI interface with “static” standards
Lessons Learned
• Cash incentives maybe counterproductive

– Divert attention away from doing real quality


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

You might also like