TITLE:
Assessment of Implementation of the Star Rating System in Primary Health Facilities: Experience from Tanzania
AUTHORS:
Chrisogone J. German, Henry A. Mollel, Mackfallen G. Anasel, Talhiya A. Yahya, Joseph C. Hokororo, Radenta P. Bahegwa, Erick S. Kinyenje, Syabo M. Mwaisengela, Eliudi S. Eliakimu
KEYWORDS:
Star Rating Assessment, Primary Healthcare, Quality Improvement Plans, Quality of Care, Tanzania
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Service Science and Management,
Vol.16 No.3,
June
14,
2023
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The Star Rating Assessment (SRA) system was established by the Tanzanian
government as a method to improve the quality of healthcare. To identify
factors influencing SRA implementation, we looked at the deployment of SRA
Systems in Kibaha Town and Rufiji District Councils. Methods: To
comprehend the experiences of distinct healthcare professionals and Quality
Improvement Teams (QITs) on implementation of SRA, we used a descriptive
cross-sectional study methodology. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and in-depth
interviews (IDIs) were used to gather data, which was then evaluated using
qualitative content analysis. Results: According to the study’s
findings, the majority of group discussion participants were not aware of the
SRA system, the QIT members were unaware of their responsibilities for
implementing Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs), and the Council Health
Management Teams (CHMT) members were not including QIP follow-up in their
quarterly supportive supervisions. Shortage of staff, financial resources, insufficient
staff training on the SRA system, and insufficient support from CHMT were among
the stated difficulties experienced during the deployment of the SRA system. Discussion: The
provision of high-quality healthcare in the study sites has improved as a
result of the introduction of the SRA system. Nonetheless, there is a need to
support healthcare facilities during implementation and provide them with
greater training on the standards assessed by SRA.