Key messages for Section D

In this Section we have reviewed approaches, indicators and data sources used to capture and measure quality in Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) in low and middle income countries (LMIC). The key messages are therefore:

1. Quality contains many elements which can be captured using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
2. The means of assessing quality range from large surveys to specific in-depth studies.
3. No single quality indicator can capture all the dimensions of quality.
4. Identifying the difference between process and structural dimensions can help to define relevant QI strateiges.
5. Norms and standards have only been agreed for some aspects of quality.
6. We have touched on only a few of the components of quality in the examples provided. Other elements (e.g. leadership, governance, responsiveness, motivation, health worker knowledge, skills, organisational culture) are discussed in other learning units.

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