Performance-based Incentives to Improve Health Status of Mothers and Newborns: What Does the Evidence Show?

Publish Date: December 2013
Author: Rena Eichler, Koki Agarwal, Ian Askew, Emma Iriarte, Lindsay Morgan, Julia Watson
Language: English

The Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition has published the article, “Performance-based Incentives to Improve Health Status of Mothers and Newborns: What Does the Evidence Show?” authored by Rena Eichler (Broad Branch Associates), Koki Agarwal (Jhpiego/MCHIP), Ian Askew (Population Council), Emma Iriarte (Inter-American Development Bank), Lindsay Morgan (Broad Branch Associates) and Julia Watson (DFID).

The authors analyzed evidence from published studies on the impact of supply-side performance-based incentives (PBIs) on the quantity and quality of maternal and newborn health services. They conclude that provider incentives for institutional deliveries resulted in a higher number of such deliveries, and that the content of antenatal care can improve with PBIs. And while it was not a purpose of the study, there was no direct evidence found between the impact of PBIs on neonatal health services or maternal or newborn mortality.

The authors suggest future studies be undertaken with a wider focus on rewarding quality and measuring its impact. Moreover, to help practitioners refine and improve their programs, the authors call for additional qualitative research to better understand PBI implementation and how differing incentive models perform in a myriad of settings.

To read the full article, click here.