scholarly journals Routine Health Information System Utilization for Evidence-Based Decision Making in Amhara National Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia: a multi-level analysis.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moges Asressie Chanyalew ◽  
Mezgebu Yitayal ◽  
Asmamaw Atnafu ◽  
Binyam Tilahun
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information System ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Health Information System ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Department Heads ◽  
Target Setting ◽  
Work Location ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Background: Health Information System (HIS) is the key to making evidence-based decisions. Ethiopia has been implementing the Health Management Information System (HMIS) since 2008 to collect routine health data and revised it in 2017. However, the evidence is meager on the use of routine health information for decision making among department heads in the health facilities. The study aimed to assess the proportion of routine health information systems utilization for evidence-based decisions and factors associated with it. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 386 department heads from 83 health facilities in ten selected districts in the Amhara region Northwest of Ethiopia from April to May 2019. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics mean and percentage were calculated. The study employed a generalized linear mixed-effect model. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and the 95% CI were calculated. Variables with p-value <0.05 were considered as predictors of routine health information system use. Result: Proportion of information use among department heads for decision making was estimated at 46%. Displaying demographic (AOR= 12.42, 95% CI: [5.52, 27.98]) and performance (AOR= 1.68; 95% CI: [1.33, 2.11]) data for monitoring, and providing feedback to HMIS unit (AOR= 2.29; 95% CI: [1.05, 5.00]) were individual (level-1) predictors. Maintaining performance monitoring team minute (AOR= 3.53; 95% CI: [1.61, 7.75]), receiving senior management directives (AOR= 3.56; 95% CI: [1.76, 7.19]), supervision (AOR= 2.84; 95% CI: [1.33, 6.07]), using HMIS data for target setting (AOR= 3.43; 95% CI: [1.66, 7.09]), and work location (AOR= 0.16; 95% CI: [0.07, 0.39]) were organizational (level-2) explanatory variables. Conclusion: The proportion of routine health information utilization for decision making was low. Displaying demographic and performance data, providing feedback to HMIS unit, maintaining performance monitoring team minute, conducting supervision, using HMIS data for target setting, and work location were factors associated with the use of routine health information for decision making. Therefore, strengthening the capacity of department heads on data displaying, supervision, feedback mechanisms, and engagement of senior management are highly recommended.

scholarly journals Routine health information system utilization for evidence-based decision making in Amhara national regional state, northwest Ethiopia: a multi-level analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moges Asressie Chanyalew ◽  
Mezgebu Yitayal ◽  
Asmamaw Atnafu ◽  
Binyam Tilahun
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information System ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Performance Monitoring ◽  
Health Information System ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Department Heads ◽  
Target Setting ◽  
Work Location ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Background Health Information System is the key to making evidence-based decisions. Ethiopia has been implementing the Health Management Information System (HMIS) since 2008 to collect routine health data and revised it in 2017. However, the evidence is meager on the use of routine health information for decision making among department heads in the health facilities. The study aimed to assess the proportion of routine health information systems utilization for evidence-based decisions and factors associated with it. Method A cross-sectional study was carried out among 386 department heads from 83 health facilities in ten selected districts in the Amhara region Northwest of Ethiopia from April to May 2019. The single population proportion formula was applied to estimate the sample size taking into account the proportion of data use 0.69, margin of error 0.05, and the critical value 1.96 at the 95% CI. The final sample size was estimated at 394 by considering 1.5 as a design effect and 5% non-response. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics mean and percentage were calculated. The study employed a generalized linear mixed-effect model. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and the 95% CI were calculated. Variables with p value < 0.05 were considered as predictors of routine health information system use. Result Proportion of information use among department heads for decision making was estimated at 46%. Displaying demographic (AOR = 12.42, 95% CI [5.52, 27.98]) and performance (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI [1.33, 2.11]) data for monitoring, and providing feedback to HMIS unit (AOR = 2.29; 95% CI [1.05, 5.00]) were individual (level-1) predictors. Maintaining performance monitoring team minute (AOR = 3.53; 95% CI [1.61, 7.75]), receiving senior management directives (AOR = 3.56; 95% CI [1.76, 7.19]), supervision (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI [1.33, 6.07]), using HMIS data for target setting (AOR = 3.43; 95% CI [1.66, 7.09]), and work location (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI [0.07, 0.39]) were organizational (level-2) explanatory variables. Conclusion The proportion of routine health information utilization for decision making was low. Displaying demographic and performance data, providing feedback to HMIS unit, maintaining performance monitoring team minute, conducting supervision, using HMIS data for target setting, and work location were factors associated with the use of routine health information for decision making. Therefore, strengthening the capacity of department heads on data displaying, supervision, feedback mechanisms, and engagement of senior management are highly recommended.

scholarly journals Evaluation of health information system in reproductive and child health program at primary health center level: a system analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Deepa L. N. ◽  
Gopinath D.
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information System ◽  
Child Health ◽  
Health Information ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Health Information System ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Urban District ◽  
Reproductive And Child Health ◽  
And Child Health

Background: Primary aim of health information system is, using it in decision-making. Not many systematic studies on actual status of health information system are available.  So this study was undertaken to evaluate the current status of Health Information System (HIS) at the primary level in relation to selective components of Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Programme and to determine its utilization for identification of problem and decision making at that level.Methods:Cross sectional study done in Bangalore Urban District. HIS was analyzed for completeness, timeliness and utilization. Monthly reports of previous 3 months from PHCs were looked for completeness and timeliness.  Utilization of information was assessed by interviewing the medical officers of 4 PHCs for actions they intend to take for modifying the performance; prior to and also after providing them with analyzed information of the available data (customization of data). Both these were compared for differences and specificity of responses. For customization of the data, sub center reports were reviewed and few beneficiaries were interviewed.Results: 85% of the reporting formats were incompletely filled. It was observed an increase in number of medical officers giving more specific actions such as review in monthly meeting, ask explanation by specific sub-center health worker for not giving follow up care to improve the performance than the responses which were more general prior to receiving the customized data. It shows that MOs are not utilizing the available health information for identification of problem or to make decisions.Conclusions:This study showed that medical officers are signing the monthly reports prepared by health workers, without actually using the information at least to identify the problem as it was seen that coverage in one sub-centre was consistently low for all the three months but didn’t focus their actions towards that sub center.  

scholarly journals Routine Health Information System in the Health Facilities in Yaoundé-Cameroon: Assessing the Gaps for Strengthening

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Bongwong Tamfon ◽  
Chanceline Bilounga Ndongo ◽  
Serge Marcial Bataliack ◽  
Marie Nicole Ngoufack ◽  
Georges Nguefack-Tsague
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information System ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Information System ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background: Management of health data and its use for informed decision making is a challenging health sector aspect in developing countries. Monitoring and evaluation of health interventions for meeting health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Cameroon Health Sector Strategy (HSS) targets is facilitated through evidence-based decision-making and public health action. Thus, a Routine Health Information System (RHIS) producing quality data is imperative. The objective of this study was to assess the RHIS in the health facilities (HFs) in Yaoundé in order to identify gaps and weaknesses and to propose measures for strengthening. Methods: A health facility-based cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the six health districts (HDs) of Yaoundé; followed by a qualitative aspect consisting of in-depth interviews of key informants at the Regional Health Office. HFs were selected using a stratified sampling method with probability proportional to the size of each HD. Data were collected (one respondent per HF) using the World Health Organization (WHO) and MEASURE Evaluation RHIS rapid assessment tool. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel 2013 and analyzed with IBM-SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 111 HFs were selected for the study. Respondents aged 24-60 years with an average of 38.3±9.3 years; 58 (52.3%) male and 53(47.7%) female. Heads of HFs and persons in charge of statistics/data management were most represented with 45.0% and 21.6% respectively. All the twelve subdomains of the RHIS were adequately functioning at between 7% and 30%. These included Human Resources (7%), Data Analysis (10%), Information and Communication Technology (11%), Standards and System Design (15%), Policies and Planning (15%), Information Dissemination (16%), Data Demand and Use (16%), Management (18%), Data Needs (18%), Data Quality Assurance (20%), Collection and Management of Individual Client Data (26%), Collection, Management, and Reporting of Aggregated Facility Data (30%). Conclusions: The level of functioning of subdomains of the RHIS in Yaoundé was low; thus, immediate and district-specific strengthening actions should be implemented if health-related SDGs and HSS targets are to be met. A nation-wide assessment should be carried out in order to understand the determinants of these poor performances and to strengthen the RHIS.

scholarly journals Routine health information system in the health facilities in Yaoundé–Cameroon: assessing the gaps for strengthening

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Bongwong Tamfon ◽  
Chanceline Bilounga Ndongo ◽  
Serge Marcial Bataliack ◽  
Marie Nicole Ngoufack ◽  
Georges Nguefack-Tsague
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information System ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Information System ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background Management of health data and its use for informed-decision making is a challenging health sector aspect in developing countries. Monitoring and evaluation of health interventions for meeting health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Cameroon Health Sector Strategy (HSS) targets is facilitated through evidence-based decision-making and public health action. Thus, a routine health information system (RHIS) producing quality data is imperative. The objective of this study was to assess the RHIS in the health facilities (HFs) in Yaoundé in order to identify gaps and weaknesses and to propose measures for strengthening. Methods A health facility-based cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the six health districts (HDs) of Yaoundé; followed by a qualitative aspect consisting of in-depth interviews of key informants at the Regional Health Office. HFs were selected using a stratified sampling method with probability proportional to the size of each HD. Data were collected (one respondent per HF) using the World Health Organization and MEASURE Evaluation RHIS rapid assessment tool. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel 2013 and analyzed with IBM-SPSS version 20. Results A total of 111 HFs were selected for the study. Respondents aged 24–60 years with an average of 38.3 ± 9.3 years; 58 (52.3%) male and 53(47.7%) female. Heads of HFs and persons in charge of statistics/data management were most represented with 45.0% and 21.6% respectively. All the twelve subdomains of the RHIS were adequately functioning at between 7 and 30%. These included Human Resources (7%), Data Analysis (10%), Information and Communication Technology (11%), Standards and System Design (15%), Policies and Planning (15%), Information Dissemination (16%), Data Demand and Use (16%), Management (18%), Data Needs (18%), Data Quality Assurance (20%), Collection and Management of Individual Client Data (26%), Collection, Management, and Reporting of Aggregated Facility Data (30%). Conclusions The level of functioning of subdomains of the RHIS in Yaoundé was low; thus, immediate and district-specific strengthening actions should be implemented if health-related SDGs and HSS targets are to be met. A nation-wide assessment should be carried out in order to understand the determinants of these poor performances and to strengthen the RHIS.

scholarly journals Routine Health Information System in the Health Facilities in Yaoundé-Cameroon: Assessing the Gaps for Strengthening

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Bongwong Tamfon ◽  
Chanceline Bilounga Ndongo ◽  
Serge Marcial Bataliack ◽  
Marie Nicole Ngoufack ◽  
Georges Nguefack-Tsague
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information System ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Health Information System ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
World Health ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Background Management of health data and its use for informed decision making is a challenging health sector aspect in developing countries. Monitoring and evaluation of health interventions for meeting health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Cameroon Health Sector Strategy (HSS) targets is facilitated through evidence-based decision-making and public health action. Thus, a Routine Health Information System (RHIS) producing quality data is imperative. The objective of this study was to assess the RHIS in the health facilities (HFs) in Yaoundé in order to identify gaps and weaknesses and to propose measures for strengthening. Methods A health facility-based cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the six health districts (HDs) of Yaoundé; followed by a qualitative aspect consisting of in-depth interviews of key informants at the Regional Health Office. HFs were selected using a stratified sampling method with probability proportional to the size of each HD. Data were collected (one respondent per HF) using the World Health Organization (WHO) and MEASURE Evaluation RHIS rapid assessment tool. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel 2013 and analyzed with IBM-SPSS version 20. Results A total of 111 HFs were selected for the study. Respondents aged 24-60 years with an average of 38.3±9.3 years; 58 (52.3%) male and 53(47.7%) female. Heads of HFs and persons in charge of statistics/data management were most represented with 45.0% and 21.6% respectively. All the twelve subdomains of the RHIS were adequately functioning at between 7% and 30%. These included Human Resources (7%), Data Analysis (10%), Information and Communication Technology (11%), Standards and System Design (15%), Policies and Planning (15%), Information Dissemination (16%), Data Demand and Use (16%), Management (18%), Data Needs (18%), Data Quality Assurance (20%), Collection and Management of Individual Client Data (26%), Collection, Management, and Reporting of Aggregated Facility Data (30%). Conclusions The level of functioning of subdomains of the RHIS in Yaoundé was low; thus, immediate and district-specific strengthening actions should be implemented if health-related SDGs and HSS targets are to be met. A nation-wide assessment should be carried out in order to understand the determinants of these poor performances and to strengthen the RHIS.

scholarly journals Mobilizing health district management teams through digital tools: lessons from the District.team Initiative in Benin and Guinea using an action research methodology (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basile Keugoung ◽  
Kéfilath Latoyossi Akankè Bello ◽  
Tamba Mina Millimouno ◽  
Sidikiba Sidibé ◽  
Jean Paul Dossou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information System ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Information System ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Operational Level ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
District Management

BACKGROUND Improving capacities of health systems to quickly respond to emerging health issues, requires a health information system (HIS) that facilitates evidence-informed decision-making at the operational level. In many sub-Saharan African countries, HIS are mostly designed to feed decision-making purposes at the central level with limited feedbacks and capabilities to take action from data at the operational level. OBJECTIVE This paper presents the case of an e-health innovation designed to capacitate health district management teams (HDMTs) through participatory evidence production and peer-to-peer exchange. METHODS With an action-research design, we developed District.team, a web-based and facilitated platform targeting HDMTs. On District.team, knowledge sharing processes are organized in cycles. Each cycle has fundamentally five steps: i) identification of a health issue to investigate together; ii) development of the online questionnaire by the facilitation team; iii) completion of the questionnaire by the HDMTs; iv) data analysis, production and publication of results; and v) discussion of results on the online discussion forum. This initiative was tested in Benin and Guinea from January 2016 to September 2017. The action-research methodology allowed us to progressively improve the approach. The evaluation rests on mixed methods data collection techniques including data extraction from intermediary reports, web analytics, nine focus groups and 18 semi-structured interviews of key stakeholders. Besides the documentation of the level of participation on the platform, we have collected data on the barriers and enablers affecting the participation of the district medical teams. RESULTS Participation on the platform was good. District.team improved explicit (data) and tacit (experience and exchange) knowledge exchange among HDMT members in Benin and Guinea. Five groups of factors affect participation: characteristics of the digital tools, the facilitation effort, profile of participants, shared content and data and support by the leadership from health authorities. CONCLUSIONS District.team has shown that there is room for knowledge management platforms and processes valuing horizontal knowledge sharing among peers active at the decentralized levels of health systems in poor resource settings. We recommend health authorities to promote the integration of such initiatives in existing health information system platforms.

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