Multi-country networks, also known as Communities of Practice (CoP), provide innovative opportunities for programs to share data, and provide illustrative examples and case studies showcasing successful improvement models and implementation challenges, both in person and virtually.
Communities of practice, although a relatively recent term, have existed throughout history as networks of people with shared interests who are engaged in a process of collective learning.[i] These networks or communities offer a valuable framework to stimulate implementation strategies, solve common problems while learning from experiences in different contexts, encourage adoption of best practices, accelerate professional skills-building and importantly, generate new knowledge relevant to the network through synergy.i
When partner countries share experiences, learning is more meaningful, relevant, and useful. HEALTHQUAL has led several multi-country peer exchange initiatives with participation from Ministry of Health stakeholders in fifteen countries: Botswana, Cambodia, Guyana, Haiti, Kenya, Lao PDR, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Virtual Multi-Country Learning Network
HEALTHQUAL has created and convened a multi-country learning network (MCLN) comprised of QI program managers, data managers, MOH quality personnel and leadership. The network has focused on topics related to achieving 90-90-90 targets and building capacity for national quality management programs for epidemic control. Network meetings are convened via ZOOM to harness real time knowledge of QM implementation and systems for ongoing exchange to catalyze and accelerate spread of knowledge, which has fostered the growth of an ongoing learning community. The MCLN has also been a showcase for QI Collaborative work, providing country teams an opportunity to discuss challenges and strategies related to management and implementation of large-scale improvement initiatives.
Seven MCLN sessions have been convened since September 2016 addressing issues that include: country progress and improvement strategies in achieving 90-90-90 targets, consumer involvement in quality management/improvement, QI Collaborative implementation and management, knowledge management for QI, Collaborative process management, WHO national quality policy and strategy, and workforce development for QI coaches using a formal coaching certification. Participating countries have included: Namibia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, Haiti, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Spotlight on the All Country Learning Network
The HEALTHQUAL All-Country Learning Network (ACLN) provided a forum for peer exchange, through panel and expert presentations as well as participant-driven discussion sessions, to advance knowledge and build capacity among PEPFAR countries to create sustainable national quality programs, performance measurement strategies and quality improvement techniques.
The ACLN convened HEALTHQUAL staff with delegations from PEPFAR countries consisting of Ministry of Health and CDC staff who were directly involved with the development of a national quality management model in their respective countries.
ACLN Proceedings
[i] Communities of practice: the organizational frontier. By Etienne Wenger and William Snyder. Harvard Business Review. January-February 2000, pp. 139-145.
