Improving quality of care for respiratory tract infections in children: The role of capacity building and coaching in supporting one multifacility improvement team in Samtredia District, Georgia

Abstract

In most quality improvement (QI) experiences, QI teams work in a single facility or community. This case describes the experience of a multifacility QI team in the Republic of Georgia that sought to improve the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory tract infections, the most frequent reason for seeking medical care among children. The QI team for Samtredia District drew members from the ambulatory clinic and Pediatrics Department of the district hospital as well as individual doctors’ practices that were all part of the same private medical service delivery network, Geo Hospitals. Geo Hospitals management also participated in QI team meetings to help address gaps in availability of essential inputs such as diagnostic tests and evidence-based medications. The case study details the design and implementation of the improvement effort and provides details about the capacity building and coaching support provided to the team that helped lead to improved health outcomes.