Language

English

Publication Date

6-2-2026

Journal

Healthcare

DOI

10.3390/healthcare14111545

PMID

42278798

PMCID

PMC13256217

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

6-2-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Background/objectives: Quality improvement (QI) is widely used in global health to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and strengthen service delivery. The Texas Children's Global Health Network (TCGHN) includes nine independent non-governmental organizations supporting healthcare in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with pediatric HIV clinical centers of excellence in six countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), supported technically by Baylor College of Medicine. We describe the development of a virtual QI Community of Practice (QICoP) to connect geographically dispersed teams and strengthen local QI capacity.

Methods: In 2022, QI and global health experts convened to design the QICoP and assess site readiness. Participants were recruited from the sites based on their interest. Meetings were held via Zoom, with attendance, evaluations, and organizer notes tracked. QI tools were used to identify site strengths, challenges, and strategies to improve engagement.

Results: From January 2023 to September 2024, the QICoP held 15 sessions, including 3 abstract-writing workshops, averaging 35 participants per session. QI abstract submissions to the annual Network meeting doubled from 2023 to 2024. Across 15 sessions, 83% of participants reported positive experiences. Based on participant feedback and QI sessions from the 2022-2024 Network meetings, we developed a blended QI basics curriculum, recruited site champions to improve communication, and launched a WhatsApp platform to enhance engagement.

Conclusions: A virtual QICoP may be a feasible model to support professional development, increase knowledge and idea sharing, and connect individuals across geographies over a shared mission to improve healthcare quality in LMICs.

Keywords

quality improvement, community of practice, global health, low- and middle-income countries, health systems strengthening, capacity building, virtual learning platforms

Published Open-Access

yes

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