Assessment of Implementation of the Star Rating System in Primary Health Facilities: Experience from Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: The Star Rating Assessment (SRA) system was established by the Tanzanian government as a method to improve the quality of healthcare. To identify factors influencing SRA implementation, we looked at the deployment of SRA Systems in Kibaha Town and Rufiji District Councils. Methods: To comprehend the experiences of distinct healthcare professionals and Quality Improvement Teams (QITs) on implementation of SRA, we used a descriptive cross-sectional study methodology. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were used to gather data, which was then evaluated using qualitative content analysis. Results: According to the study’s findings, the majority of group discussion participants were not aware of the SRA system, the QIT members were unaware of their responsibilities for implementing Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs), and the Council Health Management Teams (CHMT) members were not including QIP follow-up in their quarterly supportive supervisions. Shortage of staff, financial resources, insufficient staff training on the SRA system, and insufficient support from CHMT were among the stated difficulties experienced during the deployment of the SRA system. Discussion: The provision of high-quality healthcare in the study sites has improved as a result of the introduction of the SRA system. Nonetheless, there is a need to support healthcare facilities during implementation and provide them with greater training on the standards assessed by SRA.