Improving provider performance -- an exploration of the literature.

This issue of MotherCare Matters provides an overview of the literature and reports on projects focused on improving health care provider performance. It includes a wide range of interventions that have been implemented in developed countries and resource-poor settings with a major emphasis on maternal health and family planning. Studies that evaluated providers performance upon completion of training are emphasized and interventions implemented by the MotherCare are highlighted. Most of the interventions were studied using experimental or quasi-experimental research designs and have been categorized according to whether they predispose enable or reinforce change. Many of the findings are consistent with Continuous Quality Improvement Total Quality Management and recommendations from the meeting on Improving Provider Performance which emphasize a systems approach in designing improving and maintaining high quality services. The paper concludes by highlighting a number of key lessons learnt from the review.