Performance Evaluation of Rural Family Physician Plan: A Case of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Frequent performance improvement requires evaluating progress of any program، identifying challenges facing it and receiving feedback on the rate of implementation of formulated policies. Family physician (FP) plan plays a significant role in improving community health. This study was carried out to evaluate performance of FP plan implementation in Kerman University of Medical Sciences (KUMS).

This is a descriptive retrospective case study. The study context comprised of all districts covered by KUMS. Data were collected using statistical charts of routine system of statistics and information in three dimensions of technical performance (five indicators)، facility and human resources (six indicators) and financial resources (two indicators). Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics (frequency and percent) and charts through Microsoft Excel. Time period of 2006-2010 was considered for studying indicators and the minimum data set of three years was addressed.

The mean of referral to specialist was 9. 09% in three years. Share of active visits from total visits was estimated as 9. 96%. Seventy one percent of centers had facilities for physician living، whereas this figure should be 100 percent according to plan regulation. During the five-year period of program implementation، mean attrition rate of physicians and midwives was 53% and 9. 2% respectively.

In spite of the relative improvements in some indicators، recruitment and attrition rate of physicians in the program indicated that physicians’ retention is not in a good state and since human resources indicators are amongst key indicators in improving plan performance، serious attention is required. Therefore، regarding the quantitative and qualitative expansion of the plan in urban regions with more populations، the plan is in need of special improvement.