Facilities - SafeCare

Healthcare facilities are the heart of SafeCare’s mission. We believe that every patient deserves the best possible care. But when a facility’s resources and time are limited, it’s difficult to know where to start improving care, and which changes will have the biggest impact. SafeCare is a guide to transparent, incremental improvement.

better patient care

Quality care means that patients are given safe, effective, timely, people-centered care and are treated with respect. Preventable deaths decrease and negative outcomes are reduced. Facilities operate with efficiency and according to internationally accredited standards.

In a high-quality facility, staff also feel empowered to maintain quality standards and provide the best possible care. And patients trust their facility, return more often, and recommend the facility to others. SafeCare knows that, with some work and the right support, quality care is achievable for all.

standards

Our ISQua– accredited standards were designed specifically for healthcare facilities in resource-restricted settings. They are relevant and context-driven.

methodology

Improving the quality of care should never be a pass-or-fail exercise. Our methodology helps facilities stay motivated, on track, and continuously improving.

platform

Our digital tools and Quality Platform help facilities measure their quality levels, keep track of their progress, and access support whenever they need it.

stepwise approach

Achieving quality care isn’t easy. It takes commitment and work. But the SafeCare approach was developed specifically for facilities in resource-restricted settings, and with attention to the distinct challenges these facilities face. Improvements are implemented in a stepwise manner, and facilities work at their own pace.

Higher levels of quality is not a pass/fail exercise, but a journey that facilities can take in a way that best suits their own circumstances. At each level of improvement, rewards and badges help keep staff engaged and motivated to continue. So, staff retention and satisfaction are also addressed through the program.

digital support

The SafeCare Quality Platform enables facilities to track and monitor their quality improvement journey every step of the way, get direct support from quality advisors, and collect data about their progress. The easy-to-use platform clearly shows the steps that facilities need to take to reach the next level of quality and offers resources for support or further information.

Every SafeCare quality journey begins with an assessment of where a facility is today. This can either be a self-assessment, or one provided on-site by a certified assessor. The results of the assessment show the biggest quality gaps the facility is experiencing and offers the specific steps a facility needs to take to reach the next level of quality.

If assessed by a certified assessor, facilities will receive a SafeCare certificate of their level of quality, which includes the facility’s name and score. Posting this certificate in the facility can increase patient and partner trust and staff confidence by publicly recognizing the current status of quality.

‘SafeCare makes you grow.’

Consolata Hospital, Kyeni, North Embu

plan for improvement

Based on the gaps identified, facilities receive a Quality Improvement Plan that provides a detailed outline of the steps needed to improve care quality. On the Quality Platform, facilities can receive guidelines and get tips and tools to help. Best of all, the program is affordable. SafeCare doesn’t aim for profit, but for widespread and accessible implementation of higher quality standards.

If extra help is needed, SafeCare’s license partners act as local and region-specific support for the facilities within their reach. They can provide mentored support through visits, virtual calls, and online chats. Training and documentation are also available on the platform.

partnering for change

SafeCare license partners are local representatives trained in the SafeCare methodology. They provide support and guidance along the healthcare improvement journey and are a local contact for questions or needs.

Financial support

In select SafeCare countries, facilities can also access another PharmAccess initiative: the Medical Credit Fund (MCF). Through MCF, healthcare providers in Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Uganda can apply for term loans, digital loans, or technical assistance. All of which they can invest in facilities, equipment, staff, or procedures. By reducing the perceived risks of investing in this sector, MCF makes funding available for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that find it difficult to secure formal bank loans.