The Situation Analysis Approach to Assessing Family Planning and Reproductive Health Services: A Handbook

Situation analysis is the first systematic data collection tool to enable family planning managers to credibly document the quality of client care. The method has four essential objectives: 1) to describe the potential of current policies and program standards to promote the delivery of quality services; 2) to describe and compare the current readiness of service delivery staff and facilities to provide quality services to clients with current policies and program standards; 3) to describe the actual quality of care received by clients; and 4) to evaluate the impact the provision of quality services has on client satisfaction contraceptive use dynamics fulfillment of reproductive intentions and fertility. This manual updates situation analysis procedures and materials as they have evolved since 1989 when the first such analysis was performed in Kenya. It is intended for reference by program managers and planners policy makers researchers and field interviewers. Chapter 1 introduces the research methodology and related conceptual issues; it aims to help decision makers understand the values and limitations of the type of data collected and determine whether to carry out such a study. Chapter 2 provides practical guidelines for implementing field studies with emphasis on the training of field workers. Chapter 3 sets forth the core interview schedules inventory and observation guide as well as guidelines on adapting questions to local conditions. Finally Chapter 4 provides advice on data analysis and preparation of the final report.