Planning and implementation of a FIGO postpartum intrauterine device initiative in six countries

Objective: To describe the process of planning and implementing a program of counselling and delivery of postpartum intrauterine devices (PPIUD) in 48 hospitals across six countries in Africa and Asia. Methods: The process of planning the FIGO PPIUD initiative, selection of countries and hospitals, model of implementation, and lessons for the future are described. Results: Country-level and hospital-based leadership were essential and training-the-trainer models were successful. There was a need for consistency of competency standards allowing for national variations. As the project progressed, additional steps were necessary for steady implementation of the initiative, specifically: establishment of a project steering committee and a data safety monitoring committee, audits of structure and process, and regular feedback of each center's performance to stimulate maintenance and enhancement of activities. Postnatal follow-up was challenging in many countries with fragmented maternity systems. Conclusion: The importance of professional leadership and commitment backed by robust data for monitoring and feedback are essential for success.