Using Continuous Quality Improvement in Community-based Programming During Disasters: Lessons Learned from the 2015 Ebola Crisis in Sierra Leone
Document Type
Article
Department
Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health; Obstetrics and Gynaecology (East Africa)
Abstract
This paper describes the CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement) process of collecting and analyzing field level qualitative data in an ongoing cycle. This data can be used to guide decision-making for effective emergency response. When medical and community components are integrated from the earliest stages of the disaster, it allows for true collaboration and supports the CQI process to be responsive to evolving data. Our CQI process identified and addressed gaps in communication and coordination, problems with strategy implementation and, on a conceptual level, gaps in the disaster response model. The 2015 Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone provided a case study demonstrating improved effectiveness when a CQI approach is implemented in the Humanitarian Setting, equally in terms of reducing disease spread, and in meeting the broader needs of the population served.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2024.270
Recommended Citation
Nally, C.,
Temmerman, M.,
Voorde, P. V.,
Koroma, A.,
Adam, M.
(2024). Using Continuous Quality Improvement in Community-based Programming During Disasters: Lessons Learned from the 2015 Ebola Crisis in Sierra Leone. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 18, 1-6.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/coe-wch/127
