The purpose of external quality asssessment (EQA) is to rapidly gain a comprehensive objective assessment of programme quality. The following tools are updated versions of instruments used by PEPFAR implementing agencies; most content remains similar to previous iterations that are currently in wide circulation. Organized into Tools A through H along with a descriptive site characteristics tool, each instrument focuses on a specific topic in voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) service delivery or demand creation. The tools are not ranked in order of importance.
Recommended use
Frequency: Quarterly, semi-annually, annually, or as feasible
Assessors: Stakeholders external to a VMMC site or program, which may include Ministries of Health and Defense, a PEPFAR/funding agency, or “above site” VMMC implementing organization leadership (e.g., regional medical officer). The tools can also be used for internal quality control purposes at a site by programme staff from outside that site, including the option of using only specific tools covering areas in which there are concerns.
Instructions: Typically intended for assessors to complete all tools in a single visit. Multiple tools may be completed concurrently by different assessors at a VMMC site. Assessors may wish to complete each tool as individuals or in small groups.
Assessors are most likely to provide timely and complete feedback to site management if they summarize key quality gaps in discussion with site management the same day as the assessment.
Completed tools may also be shared directly with site management or summarized in a subsequent report to ensure quality gaps are documented and progress can be tracked by the site management and assessors as part of ongoing quality management.