The INFO Project Blog

Are provider checklists for new and continuing clients useful?

We developed some suggested provider checklists for new and continuing clients. The intention behind these checklists was to give providers some help, so they have a general idea of what needs to be covered at each visit. These checklists have not been pre-tested, but given time and resource constraints in clinic settings would providers find it useful to have such checklists on hand? Or are they just another form that they would feel forced to fill out; an added burden?

Deepa Ramchandran
Research Writer

Author of the newest Population Reports issue, “Developing a Continuing-Client Strategy”

What incentives do programs have to link with other organizations to provide a continuum of care?

In the report, we talk about how creating links with other service organizations and establishing referral systems is vital to a continuing-client strategy because not all services can be or should be offered at all health facilities. Family planning programs can establish referral procedures both within facilities (as in large facilities with multiple departments) and between facilities (as when a small clinic refers services to a larger one). In a small-clinic setting, offering referral services could be as simple as having providers inform clients about alternative sources of supply, so that in the event of a stockout, they will know the nearest available source for their method. The goal is that the client receives the method she needs without a gap in protection. If we expect providers/programs to promote referrals to other providers such as pharmacists and other private-sector providers, what incentives do they have to do so when they are in effect losing their client to another provider but are still required to show results to their donors?

Deepa Ramchandran
Research Writer

Author of the newest Population Reports issue, “Developing a Continuing-Client Strategy”

The INFO Project envisions a world of interconnected communities where shared reproductive health information improves and saves lives. We hope that this blog serves as a venue for a spirited discussion about international reproductive health.