Feb 2011 | Initial discussions with the MOHSW; stakeholder meeting with national EPI and family planning officials, county health teams, partners | Decision to work in Bong and Lofa; consensus to work only on facility-based integration for routine immunization |
Apr–May 2011 | Formative research to inform details of integration model | Sensitivity and stigma regarding postpartum women's use of family planning services revealed |
Jun–Sep 2011 | Design, pretesting, and production of training materials | Addresses perceptions regarding use of contraceptives by postpartum women noted during formative assessment |
Feb 2012 | Training of staff at 5 facilities each in Bong and Lofa | 3-day training for vaccinators and family planning providers, including field practice; 1-day orientation for county supervisors and officers in charge |
Mar–Nov 2012 | Pilot of integrated EPI-family planning service delivery, including monthly supervision visits to participating facilities | Supervision by MCHIP staff accompanied by representatives from Family Health Division, EPI, and county health teams |
Jul–Aug 2012 | Refresher training and midterm assessment using quantitative and qualitative methods | Based on facility staff feedback, introduced privacy screens in vaccination area to enhance confidentiality of the mother's family planning decision |
Dec 2012 | Final assessment using quantitative and qualitative methods | Included focus group discussions with referral acceptors and non-acceptors, interviews with service providers and facility officers in charge, and interviews with partner agency representatives and supervisors |
Mar 2013 | Final stakeholder meeting | Presentation of approach and key findings to the MOHSW, partners, and county health teams from 6 counties |