Using Quality Assessment to Improve Maternal Care in Nicaragua

This case study describes how healthcare providers in Nicaragua worked together to improve the quality of obstetric care at their health centers and posts. They began by measuring the extent to which staff performed according to standards. Once aware of the quality gaps, they formed QI teams and used rapid team problem solving to implement quality improvements so that healthcare providers could perfom according to obstetric standards. Continuous monitoring shows their success in meeting the standards and improving health outcomes. [author’s description]