Terms of Reference for the Final External Evaluation of the project

“Primary Health Care Center of Armenian Caritas in Gyumri – Support for 01/2020 – 12/2022”

 

  1. Background and description of the project

The experience of Armenian Caritas in this sector shows that although officially people can access primary healthcare services funded by the state, still the essential health care needs remain unmet and a big group of vulnerable people, including children and the elderly, get deprived of elementary medical services. In its PHC center Armenian Caritas serves around 4300 persons through 3800-4200 visits per year. The clinic holds a license of the RA Ministry of Health (RA MH) that authorizes it to provide the following PHC services: laboratory analysis (biochemical and clinical), ultrasound analyses (abdominal, gynecological, etc.), electro-cardiograms (ECG) and cardiological consultations, psychological consultations, endocrinologist’s services, physiotherapeutic trainings and provision of free-of-charge medicine to patients.

Prior to initiation of the Primary Health Care Center project, Armenian Caritas was engaged in relief medical projects, among which Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) Medicines Distribution project to clinics and hospitals was the most significant one. Since January 2002 Armenian Caritas has established, sustained and developed the activities of the Primary Health Care Center (PHCC) in Gyumri.

Substantial input in the establishment and development of the PHCC was contributed by a number of foreign specialists in the sphere of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, namely:

  • Monthiel Rosenthal, who was actually the founder of the PHCC.
  • Ulrica Vigano, who was the person, whose support consisted in setting up of the PHCC
  • Ellen Dar and Dr. Nick Akgulian, Family Doctors, specialized in gynecology and Family

Medicine, voluntarily contributed their time and efforts;

  • Professor Mikayel Narimanyan, the Head of the Department of Family Medicine at the State Medical University of Armenia, conducted situational analyses of the Center, general consultation on the norms of Family medicine practice in Armenia.
  • Last year AC PHCC started a cooperation with doctors from USA Fresno. We’ve hosted two physiotherapists for three days. We have an agreement to have such visits every year.

During the current episode of life of the PHCC project, the project combined the direct medical care with the prevention activities and psychological health of the patients. The new approach, devoted to the formation of healthy families and raising of healthy generation has proved to be of great importance for our present-day society. The high demand for this component is obvious, which keeps the project holders responsible for ensuring its continuation and follow up.

The main Goal of the project is to provide, in a compassionate and competent manner, primary ambulatory care, psychological assistance for needy patients in Gyumri and those coming from surrounding areas.

 

     The objectives of the project are:

  • to provide direct primary care, limited basic laboratory services and essential medicines, as available, for the established patients of the PHCC, counting to 5000-5500 individuals
  • to expand the activities of the PHCC by introducing the system of regular home-visits not only to the lonely elderly, but also to other patients, as required.
  • to engage in regular weekly patient education and promote preventive medicine among patients who attend the PHCC;
  • to introduce the practice of training courses for pregnant women, aiming at the correct life-style during the pregnancy and preparation for child delivery.

Project component “Healthy mentality-healthy family” has been realized in three directions: 1. targeting pregnant women groups, 2. mother-and-child groups and 3. families with handicapped children.

Having the facility running smoothly for already twenty years and working towards even better improvements in the developing field of Family Medicine with the support of both foreign specialists and local governmental agencies greatly contributed to the prevention and treatment of diseases, as well as to the improvement of health care condition of the underprivileged layer of Gyumri population and surrounding area.

  1. Objectives of the Evaluation

The final evaluation will focus on the following key objectives:

  • Assess the relevance, appropriateness, effectiveness, accountability and impact/sustainability of the project;
  • Identify lessons learned, best practices and recommendations for the continuation of the project
  • The overall objectives of the required expertise will be to analyze/research activities and services currently provided by AC Gyumri Primary Health Care (PHC) Center and to develop a package of suggestions for further development of the project.

 

  1. Scope of the work

The analyze/research and review of current services of PHC of AC will be led by an external evaluator(s) in close coordination with PHC project Manager and the staff. The evaluator will coordinate and collaborate with AC’s Administrative staff to ensure the relevance of the recommendations to AC Strategic Plan. The expert will be responsible for undertaking the following tasks:

  • To do quality and quantity research/analyze of the current services of PHC.
  • To facilitate internal round table discussion within AC for discussing main results of the research and main points of the recommendations’ package.
  • To develop a package of recommendations / suggestions for the future of AC PHC services

 

  1. Methods and Tools

Following methods can be used to complete the above-mentioned tasks and fulfil the purpose

as defined by this ToR.

  • Desk review of the relevant documents
  • Analysis of existing services
  • Data collection
  • Presentation
  • Documentation

 

  1. Expected results

The evaluator(s) will work closely with PHC project staff and AC administrative staff. All

deliverables will be submitted to AC on date as mutually agreed during the inception meeting.

The reports will be reviewed by project staff.

The evaluator(s) should submit the following key deliverables,

  • Draft Evaluation Report to be submitted to Armenian Caritas
  • Final Evaluation Report with following sections:

 

  • Executive Summary
  • Background
  • Introduction
  • Context
  • Description of Methodology
  • Main findings
  • Conclusions
  • Recommendations

 

  1. Key qualification, experience and skills of the consultant

      Education:

  • University degree in the relevant field;

      Experience:

  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of Public health care issues in RA
  • Extensive work experience and proven record in Public health oriented projects and State Health systems and Strategies (at least 5 years)
  • Demonstrate experience of having undertaken similar assignments
  • Good analytical and research skills
  • Good communication and facilitation skills

 

  1. Duration of task completion

The assignment is estimated to be completed by August 31, 2022.

 

  1. Financial procedures

The payment will be made as follows:

1st instalment – 40% (after signing the agreement); and

final instalment – 60% (after submission of final deliverables)

 

  1. Procedure for submission of expression of interest

Interested consultants should submit their proposals to a.margaryan@caritas.am  and info@caritas.am before 29th of July 2022. Please, put ‘PHCC evaluation’ in the subject field of your e-mail.

 

The following documents are required:

  • Proposed evaluation methodology
  • Description of deliverables and a timeline;
  • A financial proposal including the cost implication for other evaluators if any;
  • CV(s) of evaluator(s).
  • A cover letter including remuneration requirements and contact information

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.