Formative Evaluation of Sore Throat Clinics

Published online: 
09 March 2016
publication cover

Summary

Rheumatic fever can be prevented by prompt diagnosis of a Group A streptococcal (GAS) throat infection and treatment with antibiotics.  The Rheumatic Fever Prevention Programme aims to improve access to timely treatment for Group A streptococcal throat infections for high risk populations (4–19 year old Māori and Pacific children and young people) through the delivery of sore throat management services.  These services consist of a two-pronged approach: school-based and community sore throat clinics (‘sore throat clinics’ are also known as ‘drop in’ or ‘rapid response’ clinics/services).  

In July 2015 the Ministry contracted an independent formative evaluation of the sore throat clinic services. The evaluation took place during August and September 2015.

The purpose of the evaluation was to inform service improvement. It used a qualitative methodology and explored the experiences of Māori and Pacific whānau, parents and youth accessing sore throat services, and also of staff working in these services. The participants were from four District Health Boards (DHBs) with a high incidence of rheumatic fever: Counties Manukau, Hutt Valley, Tairāwhiti and Waikato.

The evaluation highlights that, if implemented well, sore throat services will be used. The evaluation also identifies opportunities for DHBs to improve these services.

Key themes identified by the evaluation were that sore throat clinics work best and satisfaction is greater when:

  • There is a high level of community awareness/communication about where to access free sore throat clinics and who is eligible.
  • A consistent and high commitment from providers to deliver sore throat clinics is present and in line with the Ministry’s expectations.
  • There is a consistent approach to triaging, assessment and treatment between providers.

The evaluation is useful at this stage in the implementation of sore throat clinics as it gives a good indication of implementation issues consistently emerging in DHBs.  It has formed the basis of useful conversations with DHBs, particularly around improving services to priority populations.

The Ministry will continue to monitor DHB implementation of sore throat clinics closely and will use the key themes of the evaluation as part of this process.

More information on sore throat clinics can be found on this website.

Publishing information

  • Date of publication:
    09 March 2016
  • ISBN:
    Online: 978-0-947491-741
  • HP number:
    6369
  • Citation:
    Litmus Limited. 2016. Formative Evaluation of Sore Throat Clinics. Wellington: Ministry of Health.
  • Ordering information:
    Only soft copy available to download
  • Copyright status:

    Third-party content. Please check the document or email the Web Manager to find out how to obtain permission to re-use content.

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