R2HC – Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises DRC Research
Overview and Objectives
Led by the International Medical Corps, URC and other partnering organizations identified ways to bridge the gap between evidence and practice by integrating a quality improvement (QI) approach in the implementation of the maternal and newborn health (MNH) components of the MISP and comprehensive SRH in North Kivu, DRC.
URC provided technical assistance in the design and implementation of QI activities. URC led in training in quality improvement and coaching for IMC and zonal staff. Ongoing technical assistance was provided to the staff, supporting facility level improvement teams and facilitating sharing sessions between facilities.
The short-term outcomes of the research included the following:
- Establishment of a baseline on the availability, utilization, and quality of care components of the MISP and comprehensive SRH had an immediate impact on programming decisions in the facilities and drove improvement efforts over the length of the research.
- Enhanced services yielded improvements in accessibility and quality of health services. Greater accessibility of care saved money as pregnancy and newborn complications were identified in earlier stages, reducing the need for emergency interventions. Improved quality of care ultimately led to increased health seeking behaviors among women.
