Assessing the quality of care for children attending health facilities: a systematic review of assessment tools

Introduction Assessing quality of healthcare is integral in determining progress towards equitable health outcomes worldwide. Using the WHO 'Standards for improving quality of care for children and young adolescents in health facilities' as a reference standard, we aimed to evaluate existing tools that assess quality of care for children. Methods We undertook a systematic literature review of publications/reports between 2008 and 2020 that reported use of quality of care assessment tools for children (<15 years) in health facilities. Identified tools were reviewed against the 40 quality statements and 510 quality measures from the WHO Standards to determine the extent each tool was consistent with the WHO Standards. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO ID: CRD42020175652. Results Nine assessment tools met inclusion criteria. Two hospital care tools developed by WHO-Europe and WHO-South-East Asia Offices had the most consistency with the WHO Standards, assessing 291 (57 center dot 1%) and 208 (40 center dot 8%) of the 510 quality measures, respectively. Remaining tools included between 33 (6 center dot 5%) and 206 (40 center dot 4%) of the 510 quality measures. The WHO-Europe tool was the only tool to assess all 40 quality statements. The most common quality measures absent were related to experience of care, particularly provision of educational, emotional and psychosocial support to children and families, and fulfilment of children's rights during care. Conclusion Quality of care assessment tools for children in health facilities are missing some key elements highlighted by the WHO Standards. The WHO Standards are, however, extensive and applying all the quality measures in every setting may not be feasible. A consensus of key indicators to monitor the WHO Standards is required. Existing tools could be modified to include priority indicators to strengthen progress reporting towards delivering quality health services for children. In doing so, a balance between comprehensiveness and practical utility is needed. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020175652.

Automated summary

Assessing the quality of healthcare is crucial for achieving equitable health outcomes worldwide. Existing tools for assessing quality of care for children in health facilities are lacking some key elements highlighted by the WHO Standards, and there is a need to modify these tools to strengthen progress reporting towards delivering quality health services for children. Balancing between comprehensiveness and practical utility is necessary in this process.