scholarly journals Using Training as a Tool for Cultivating Communities of Practice around Health Information Systems in Low and Middle Income Countries: A Longitudinal Mixed Method Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Pandula Siribaddana ◽  
Roshan Hewapathirana
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Communities Of Practice ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Mixed Method Study ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Understanding the challenges associated with the use of data from routine health information systems in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
pp. 183335832092872 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klesta Hoxha ◽  
Yuen W Hung ◽  
Bridget R Irwin ◽  
Karen A Grépin
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Health System Strengthening ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Environmental Challenges ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Data Process ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Background: Routine health information systems (RHISs) are crucial to informing decision-making at all levels of the health system. However, the use of RHIS data in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited due to concerns regarding quality, accuracy, timeliness, completeness and representativeness. Objective: This study systematically reviewed technical, behavioural and organisational/environmental challenges that hinder the use of RHIS data in LMICs and strategies implemented to overcome these challenges. Method: Four electronic databases were searched for studies describing challenges associated with the use of RHIS data and/or strategies implemented to circumvent these challenges in LMICs. Identified articles were screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. Results: Sixty studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review, 55 of which described challenges in using RHIS data and 20 of which focused on strategies to address these challenges. Identified challenges and strategies were organised by their technical, behavioural and organisational/environmental determinants and by the core steps of the data process. Organisational/environmental challenges were the most commonly reported barriers to data use, while technical challenges were the most commonly addressed with strategies. Conclusion: Despite the known benefits of RHIS data for health system strengthening, numerous challenges continue to impede their use in practice. Implications: Additional research is needed to identify effective strategies for addressing the determinants of RHIS use, particularly given the disconnect identified between the type of challenge most commonly described in the literature and the type of challenge most commonly targeted for interventions.

scholarly journals Mental health information systems in resource-challenged countries: experiences from India

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Ahuja ◽  
Rahul Shidhaye ◽  
Maya Semrau ◽  
Graham Thornicroft ◽  
Mark Jordans
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Mental Health Information ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Mental health information systems are increasingly being used to measure the effectiveness of mental health interventions. Little or no data is available for mental health service availability and service uptake in low- and middle-income countries. Through a narrative review, this paper illustrates the importance of routine monitoring data and suggests methods for developing, implementing and evaluating mental health indicators in low- and middle-income countries with a primary focus on India.

scholarly journals Measuring what matters – information systems for management of chronic disease in primary healthcare settings in low and middle-income countries: challenges and opportunities

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Mayston ◽  
K. Ebhohimen ◽  
K. Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Chronic Care ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Service Planning ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Effective health information systems are essential to the delivery of high-quality community-based care for chronic disease which will be needed to address the changing healthcare needs of populations in low and middle-income country settings. Health management information systems (health service data collected at facility level) and electronic health records (data organised by individual patients) may support the measurement-based, collaborative approach that is central to the chronic care model, which has been adopted as the basis for task-shared models of care for mental health and non-communicable disease. We used the performance of routine information systems management to guide our commentary on the evidence-base about information systems to support chronic care. We found that, despite an appetite for using the information to support decision-making around service planning, this rarely happens in practice, reasons include that data is not perceived to be of good quality or fit for purpose. There is often a mismatch between technology design and the availability of specialised knowledge and infrastructure. However, when data collection is designed in collaboration with local stakeholders, there is some evidence of success, demonstrated by completion and accuracy of data forms. Whilst there are global targets for the development of health information systems and progress on these is undoubtedly being made, indicators for chronic disease are seldom prioritised by national governments and there is insufficient decentralisation to facilitate local data-driven decision-making. Our recommendations for future research and development, therefore, focus upon the need to integrate context into the design of information systems: through building strong multisectoral partnerships, ensuring newly developed indicators are well aligned to service models and using technology that is a good fit with local infrastructure. This approach will be necessary if information systems are to deliver on their potential to drive improvements in care for chronic disease.

scholarly journals Lessons learned from the development and implementation of an electronic paediatric emergency and acute care database in Lilongwe, Malawi

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. e002410
Author(s):  
Emily J Ciccone ◽  
Alyssa E Tilly ◽  
Msandeni Chiume ◽  
Yamikani Mgusha ◽  
Michelle Eckerle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Health Information Systems ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Tertiary Referral Hospital ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Care Database

As the field of global child health increasingly focuses on inpatient and emergency care, there is broad recognition of the need for comprehensive, accurate data to guide decision-making at both patient and system levels. Limited financial and human resources present barriers to reliable and detailed clinical documentation at hospitals in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) is a tertiary referral hospital in Malawi where the paediatric ward admits up to 3000 children per month. To improve availability of robust inpatient data, we collaboratively designed an acute care database on behalf of PACHIMAKE, a consortium of Malawi and US-based institutions formed to improve paediatric care at KCH. We assessed the existing health information systems at KCH, reviewed quality care metrics, engaged clinical providers and interviewed local stakeholders who would directly use the database or be involved in its collection. Based on the information gathered, we developed electronic forms collecting data at admission, follow-up and discharge for children admitted to the KCH paediatric wards. The forms record demographic information, basic medical history, clinical condition and pre-referral management; track diagnostic processes, including laboratory studies, imaging modalities and consults; and document the final diagnoses and disposition obtained from clinical files and corroborated through review of existing admission and death registries. Our experience with the creation of this database underscores the importance of fully assessing existing health information systems and involving all stakeholders early in the planning process to ensure meaningful and sustainable implementation.

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