Formative Research for Delivering Early Child Development Care at Private clinics in Poor Urban localities of Punjab, Pakistan

Formative Research for Delivering Early Child Development Care at Private clinics in Poor Urban localities of Punjab, Pakistan

This study, funded by Grand Challenge Canada, was done in partnership with; Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development (UK) and Provincial Programs and Institutions in Punjab.

Abstract: In Pakistan, private clinics are a major source of care for minor ailments. Individuals generally pay for the services. Provision of child development care at private clinics can make these services available more widely. The study explored the potentially feasible arrangements and modalities for delivering early child development care at private clinics. A small-scale exploratory formative qualitative research was conducted in January 2016 addressing care provider and consumer perspectives. The focus group discussions with clinic staff were conducted at the research head office, whereas discussions with mothers and community advocates were arranged in the respective communities. A total of four focus group discussions (each with 6 – 8 participants) were conducted: private clinic doctors; paramedics; mothers; and community advocates. The key dimensions covered were: clinic setup, management and business model. The space for consultation, drug-dispensing and waiting do provide visual privacy without adequate conversation privacy. Majority of private clinics operate in evening, whereas mothers prefer morning-time to visit clinic. Less qualified clinic assistants necessitate a set of structured care delivery products for quality ECD care. The findings have been used to inform the ECD care delivery modalities (e.g. staff role, consultation, community-advocate engagement) and products (e.g. pictorial counseling tool and staff training) in Pakistan.

URL: https://www.academia.edu/28016959/FORMATIVE_RESEARCH_FOR_DELIVERING_EARLY_CHILD_DEVELOPMENT_CARE_AT_PRIVATE_CLINICS_IN_POOR_URBAN_LOCALITIES_OF_PUNJAB_PAKISTAN